Local kids have a PAL in Sunset Park

A tradition born a century ago is alive and well on 61^st Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, where children play through the summer under the supervision of the Police Athletic League (PAL).

Since 1914, PAL has been closing off streets and other public areas for children to play in supervised areas throughout the five boroughs as part of its PLAYSTREETS program which is back for the summer in Sunset Park and around the city.

From Monday, July 7 through Friday, August 22, Monday through Friday (except August 1), children can play and learn in the selected sites from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The goal of this program is to offer a memorable summer for youngsters with outdoor, supervised recreational, educational and developmental activities in their communities during the summer months.

This year, however, PAL redesigned PLAYSTREETS with set objectives and performance targets such as recreation and fitness, arts and culture, and community connections. In addition, it offers a crime prevention curriculum developed by the National Crime Prevention Council.

“We also did this during the winter. I feel we should branch out more. I know when I was a kid, I didn’t have this,” said Jean De Jesus, site director of PAL PLAYSTREETS. “I think this is real cool [for the children.]”

The kids agreed. When De Jesus asked the children, “Do you guys like PLAYSTREETS?” the children responded in a chorus like fashion, “I like it! I can’t wait for the summer!”

For a complete list of PLAYSTREETS sites, visit http://bit.ly/1mB8j2G.