As summer begins and schools close for break, local officials in Clark County are expanding efforts to provide structured activities for teenagers during late evening hours. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), is designed to give young people safe, supervised options at a time when youth-related incidents historically increase.
The program responds to concerns raised by residents and law enforcement about teens congregating without supervision, particularly in neighborhood parks and public spaces.
Background
Northwest Las Vegas resident Lydia Healy says she regularly notices disruptive behavior while walking her dog near Children’s Memorial Park. She describes seeing teens acting out, including throwing objects at passing cars. Situations like these have prompted local leaders to focus on prevention rather than enforcement.
Clark County Parks and Recreation officials say the goal is to offer teens alternatives that are accessible, free, and located within their own neighborhoods.
Program
The county’s late-night teen programs are scheduled on weekday evenings at multiple community and recreation centers across the Las Vegas Valley. Activities are free and open to local youth, with sessions typically running from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
According to Parks and Recreation Administrator Alex Bernal, the programs are based on decades-old initiatives that began in the early 1990s. This summer marks the first time the effort has expanded into the northwest valley, following analysis of youth crime and violence data from LVMPD and the Department of Juvenile Justice Services.
Activities
The programs include a mix of physical, creative, and mentorship-based offerings. Activities were selected using feedback from teens and families in the surrounding communities.
Available activities include:
- Basketball and other sports
- Boxing training
- DJ and music-based classes
- Mentorship and group discussions
All activities are supervised by trained staff and hosted within established community centers.
Locations
Four sites are participating in the late-night summer program this year.
| Location | Area | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Torrey Pines Resource Community Center | Cheyenne Ave & Torrey Pines Dr | Friday |
| Walnut Community Center | Walnut Rd & Cheyenne Ave | Tuesday |
| Whitney Recreation Center | Tropicana Ave & Boulder Hwy | Wednesday |
| Cambridge Recreation Center | Flamingo Rd & Maryland Pkwy | Thursday |
The Torrey Pines site serves the northwest valley, an area officials identified as needing additional youth engagement opportunities.
Purpose
County officials say the program’s success will be measured by local data. A reduction in youth-related incidents during program hours would indicate progress.
Bernal emphasizes that the effort is about visibility and trust. Officials want families to know resources are available close to home and that participation plays a role in improving community safety.
Response
Early feedback from families has been positive. Parents have expressed appreciation for free programs offered within their neighborhoods, especially during summer months when supervision can be more difficult.
Local residents also support the initiative, noting that structured activities can help reduce idle time and keep teens engaged in constructive environments.
The program launched last week and will continue through the end of July.
For additional details about Clark County and LVMPD’s Late Nights program, residents can call 702-455-7177 or view information shared on LVMPD’s official social media pages.
FAQs
What is the Late Nights program?
A free evening activity program for teens.
Who runs the program?
Clark County and LVMPD.
When do activities take place?
Evenings from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, all activities are free.
How long does the program run?
Through the end of July.
