COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES AND RECREATION FOR KIDS (P.A.R.K. PROGRAM)

            Another well-received effort to abate gangs and drugs has been the City of La Mirada’s Positive Alternatives and Recreation for Kids (P.A.R.K.) Program.  This program is a free, drop-in recreation program offered at three locations.  The P.A.R.K. program affords La Mirada school age youth with an opportunity to participate in positive alternatives, including sports, and arts and crafts with Public Safety Officers and Recreation Leaders.

            The P.A.R.K. staff encourages and rewards positive behaviors.  Activities are structured to provide opportunities for youth to build self-esteem and develop teambuilding and leadership skills.  Leaders teach constructive techniques for resolving conflict, and work individually with the youth to develop positive skills.  Excursions and special events broaden the experiences and reinforce valuable lessons. 

            A schedule of weekly events is available at each site.  If you are interested in participating, stop by one of the sites to complete an application. The P.A.R.K. program is free with the exception of excursions.       

            For more information on the City’s P.A.R.K. Program, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960, or Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277. 

 
BRICKHOUSE PROGRAM

            Two highly successful programs, the P.A.R.K. and Brickhouse programs have teamed up to provide middle school students with expanded recreation activities.  The goal in combining the programs is to develop safe, enjoyable activities that reinforce positive behaviors and provide a wide variety of recreation opportunities for middle school students.

            For more information on the City’s Brickhouse program, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960, or the Community Gymnasium at (562) 902-2938.

POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM

            The Positive Alternatives program is a five-week program consisting of gang and drug education.  More than 4,000 students attend the program each year, ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade in both public and private schools.  In addition to teaching gang and drug awareness, Public Safety Officers help instill self-esteem, positive decision making skills, and conflict resolution techniques to the students.

            Public Safety Officers get an opportunity to meet with middle and high school students to discuss issues immediately concerning teens.

            For more information on the Positive Alternatives program, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.