Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s (CRC) Rec @ Nite Program is the winner of the 15th Annual Governor’s Award for Parks and Recreation presented by Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, giving the agency its second win of this prestigious award.
“The impact that this program has had, both on individual lives and on entire neighborhoods, is truly remarkable,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward. “I say repeatedly that when communities are looking to get things done, they often go to the parks and recreation department—that was certainly the case here. CRC used their resources and partnered with other entities to invest in the lives of young people, to help them feel like a part of their community, and to create safer neighborhoods in the city.”
Recognizing the increasing youth violence and inappropriate teen behavior, particularly within two specific neighborhoods, Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC), with the support of the City of Cincinnati, strategized efforts to provide constructive and positive alternatives. Through strong community partnerships, CRC initiated and led efforts to reduce youth violence. Community involvement and collaboration was critical to the success of this initiative.
The Rec @ Nite Summer Series is a bold and dynamic program designed to attract teens from across the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Rec @ Nite’s goal is to create an engaging, constructive, welcoming, and respectful environment that empowers youth while guiding them towards healthier choices and productive futures.
Rec @ Nite served as a beacon for teens, drawing them into a community where they felt valued and safe. By creating an inviting atmosphere, the program significantly reduced youth-related incidents, specifically in two neighborhoods where Rec @ Nite was staged. These two centers were open from 3pm-11pm on Saturday and provided a variety of teen programming ranging from late night swimming, silent disco, haircuts and braiding, dancing and socializing, playing basketball, and doing art projects. With over 300 teens attending every Saturday, communities now understand the value that is provided by creating teen safe havens, reinforcing the idea that positive change is not just possible—it’s happening.
The program’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that every teen, regardless of background, feels welcomed and represented. This attention to inclusivity fostered understanding and respect among participants, bridging gaps and celebrating differences. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, the police department, and with support from city officials, Rec @ Nite not only enhanced safety but also actively worked to improve the quality of life for all community members, nurturing a sense of belonging and collective responsibility.
The achievements of Rec @ Nite were impactful and effective. Initially launched with modest goals of 50 per site each week, the program blossomed into a vibrant hub that attracted nearly 3,000 teens over the ten-week program. Teens experienced constructive and fun activities, whether in athletics, art, or a variety of other opportunities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community that extended beyond the program itself. Many teens attended multiple Saturdays and the continued growth in attendance and enthusiasm is a testament to the program’s ability to resonate with a challenging demographic.
Rec @ Nite pioneered a new model of programming for teens, breaking ground in the parks and recreation field. This innovative approach combined recreational activities with diverse teen-centered workshops within a casual and independent environment, allowing the teens to pick and choose their experience within a safe and controlled setting. The flexibility and adaptability of the program enables it to be replicated and customized elsewhere, offering a blueprint for how to engage teens effectively.
The Governor’s Award was established in 2010 to recognize the one park and recreation project, program, or event that has had the most significant impact on quality of life in the preceding year. The award winner was announced and the award presented at the OPRA Annual Conference & Trade Show on February 4.
All thirteen 1st place winners of the OPRA Awards Program were considered for this statewide “best in show” award.
In addition to the Governor’s Award trophy, the department received a proclamation from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and a $500 contribution from OPRA.