CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department will offer free food and summer fun for youth in the Clarksville community with the Mayor’s Summer Night Lights program.

The Mayor’s Summer Night Lights program was inspired by a similar program in Los Angeles, California created to combat gang violence in the area. The Clarksville Mayor’s Summer Night Lights program creates a fun and exciting atmosphere that offers youth and teens a positive way to spend their time during the summer months.

“Our goal is just to provide these communities with an environment that is fun and safe,” said TaKeisha Ivery, Recreation Programmer for the Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department.

This third season of the program will kick off with 5-on-5 Basketball Tournaments for those ages 14 and older. Anyone wishing to participate in these tournaments must be at the location no later than 5:45 p.m. to sign up. Free food and drinks will be provided.

The season will continue with a multitude of activities including a DJ, dance team competitions, local music artist performances, arts & crafts, motivational speakers, athletic competitions, and even free food. A meal is provided free of charge by Manna Café each night of the program. There will also be a step show featuring fraternities and sororities from Austin Peay State University.

Summer Night Lights will feature a total of six locations of summer fun on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 9 p.m. beginning June 8 and continuing through July 29. Locations include the Kleeman Community Center, Summit Heights, Bel-Aire Park, Pettus Park, Lincoln Homes, and Dixon Park.

• Kleeman Center, 166 Cunningham Lane
o Monday, June 8
o Monday, June 22
o Monday, July 6
o Monday, July 20
• Summit Heights, 20 Summit Heights
o Wednesday, June 10
o Wednesday, June 24
o Wednesday, July 8
o Wednesday, July 22
• Bel-Aire Park, 124 Marie Drive
o Monday, June 15
o Monday, July 13
• Lincoln Homes, 20j Howard Street
o Wednesday, June 17
o Wednesday, July 15
• Dixon Park, 117 South Tenth Street
o Monday, June 29
o Monday, July 27
• Pettus Park, 345 Farris Drive
o Wednesday, July 1
o Wednesday, July 29

For more information or to volunteer, contact Clarksville Parks and Recreation at (931) 645-7476 or visit www.cityofclarksville.com/summernightlights.