{"id":75016,"date":"2025-08-28T14:08:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T21:08:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=75016"},"modified":"2025-08-28T14:08:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T21:08:34","slug":"la-county-parks-in-partnership-with-county-departments-expands-our-spot-teen-center-programs-and-hours-at-16-locations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=75016","title":{"rendered":"LA County Parks, in Partnership with County Departments, Expands Our SPOT Teen Center Programs and Hours at 16 Locations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Teens Now Have Greater Access to Free Activities, Hot Meals, Academic Support, Career Pathways, and More<\/em><\/p>\n

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LOS ANGELES (August 28, 2025)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks), in partnership with various LA County departments, proudly announces the expansion of the\u00a0Our SPOT Teen Center<\/strong>\u00a0free programs and extended hours at all 16 teen center locations across LA County Parks. This expansion is part of the\u00a0Summer Beat<\/em>\u00a0initiative, offering teens and youth even more opportunities to connect, have fun, and thrive throughout the summer and beyond.<\/p>\n

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Our SPOT<\/strong>\u00a0is a dynamic, high-energy after-school teen program designed to serve BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth in underserved LA County communities. These safe, welcoming centers support teens academically, socially, and emotionally through engaging and meaningful programming. With this expansion, LA County is increasing access to free sports, hot dinner meals, mentoring, wellness activities, and homework assistance, particularly during critical after-school and evening hours.<\/p>\n

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These enhanced services, plus extended Our SPOT hours from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, are possible with the support of several Los Angeles County partners \u2013\u00a0Department of Youth Development<\/strong>,\u00a0Department of Probation, Department of Public Health\u2019s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control<\/strong>, and the\u00a0Department of Mental Health<\/strong>. This initiative enhances youth development and evening diversion services in high-need areas including the San Gabriel Valley, East LA, South LA, and the Antelope Valley.<\/p>\n

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\u201cTeens deserve safe spaces where they can be themselves, build skills, and feel seen,\u201d said\u00a0Norma E. Garc\u00eda-Gonz\u00e1lez<\/strong>,\u00a0Director of the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation<\/strong>. \u201cWith the expansion of Our SPOT, we\u2019re not only extending hours, but we\u2019re also expanding possibilities. This is about investing in youth, uplifting communities, and creating equitable access to opportunity through meaningful programming, mentorship, and support.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cSupporting\u00a0vital initiatives like Our SPOT is a powerful way to ensure\u00a0LA County youth have\u00a0the opportunity to flourish and build a better future for our communities,\u201d\u00a0said David J. Carroll, Director of the LA County\u00a0Department of Youth Development.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cBy incorporating our youth development partners into the Our Spot program, we increase access to resources available to youth throughout the county. We know that when young people have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, their outcomes improve, and their justice system involvement decreases.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe Probation Department is proud to partner with the Department of Parks and Recreation and other LA County departments on the expansion of Spot Teen Centers. Collaborations like this are vital for the youth of Los Angeles County,\u201d\u00a0expressed Chief Probation Officer Viera-Rosa.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cPositive programming keeps young people engaged, helps them stay on the right path, and supports them in avoiding or not returning to the system. Working together, we can shape lives, rebuild futures, and create safer communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cProviding enriching environments for youth during critical after-school hours is a proven prevention strategy that reduces the risk of substance use and supports healthy development,\u201d\u00a0said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cSubstance use among youth negatively impacts the growing adolescent brain and can result in poorer academic, social, and health outcomes.\u00a0As we face the worst overdose crisis in history, creating safe, youth-centered spaces is more important than ever. The expansion of Our SPOT Teen Centers strengthens our collective efforts to give teens across LA County access to the tools, resources, and relationships they need to build healthy, successful futures.”<\/p>\n

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Key Expansion Features Include:<\/strong><\/p>\n