It's about to get lively for teenagers in Mesquite this year with a fresh lineup of events aimed directly at them. The city is pulling out all the stops to ensure that kids ages 12-17 have plenty to do in the way of fun and safe entertainment. Dubbed "Teen Turnout," this series is set to kick-start on January 13, marking the beginning of a string of engaging Saturdays.
The objective here is clear—to not just occupy the younger population's time with mindless activities but to positively engage to try and empower them through a variety of offerings from music to crafts, open gym sessions, and a whole lot more. "In Mesquite, we care about our young people," announced Mayor Daniel Alemán Jr., presumably as a nod to the program's overarching goal of community involvement and development, according to the City of Mesquite, Texas.
These Teen Turnout events are part, and parcel, of a larger initiative by the City's Parks and Recreation Department, under the banner "Real. Texas. Teens." It's an effort to empower youth with opportunities that are meant to facilitate personal growth, as well as get them actively involved in their local community.
Meanwhile, the teens are also being catered for on weekdays with a new after-school program called Hang Time—a space where 6th-8th graders can hang out with friends, play e-sports, and participate in a selection of other activities. This program has got a price tag on it though, a monthly fee to be exact, and takes place from 3:40-6 p.m. at Dunford Recreation Center, as per the City of Mesquite, Texas.
For those with a keen interest in basketball, the city also offers free gym access every Saturday from 4-9 p.m. at Evans and Rutherford Recreation Centers, but there's a catch—you'll need a Mesquite ISD identification badge for entry. The full round-up of Teen Turnout dates and locations, as well as more information on youth programs, is available online, so teens and parents alike might want to bookmark the city’s website and keep a close watch on social media for the latest updates.
