The all-access pass allows up to three friends or family members to accompany the teen. Passes will be available any of the city's 43 recreation centers.
The initiative is a partnership between the city of Dallas, Dallas Park and Recreation, and the participating venues. The Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and the Dallas Public Library are also sponsors.
"These passes represent an incredible opportunity for our kids to learn and grow during the summer after a stagnant year of staying at home," Mayor Eric Johnson said Tuesday.
Calvert Collins-Bratton, president of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, also saids this educational opportunity is vital for this particular age group.
"They often get overlooked. They either age out of camp or there just aren't a lot of cultural or recreation opportunities for them in the summer," Collins-Bratton said. "Our hope is that exposing these students and their families to new opportunities — cultural, educational, recreational."
The Dallas City Council approved the Dallas Park Board's request to allocate half a million dollars towards youth passes in 2019.
Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, agrees that this educational program will open more doors for teens, including community activism.
"We don't want there to be any barrier to people from our community who want to come and learn this history and make a difference in this community — so we are thrilled to be a part of this effort," Higgins said.
Participating venues
- Dallas Zoo
- Dallas Arboretum
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
- Shakespeare Dallas
- Trinity River Audubon Center
- Bahama Beach Waterpark
- Southern Skates Roller Rink
For more details about the passes and restrictions, check the Dallas Park website.
