Thanks to the initiative of students, the new Safe Summer Sites program is providing free evening activities for young people ages 12 to 20 in Milwaukee — activities such as 3-on-3 basketball and other athletics, DJs and dancing, access to mobile recording studios, table games including table tennis, video games, and more.  

Safe Summer Sites is made possible by civic and community partners backing the program with an investment of more than $1.5 million. That includes $500,000 each from the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County DHHS, and $400,000 in in-kind support by MPS through the use of its Twilight Centers, where hours will be extended for the program.  

Children’s Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Violence Response Public Health and Safety Team also are helping fund Safe Summer Sites, among other community partners participating.    

The program grew out of Milwaukee leaders meeting with MPS students.  

Listening to Student Voice 

“We heard a clear message: that young people want safe places to go; they want trusted, caring, responsible adults in their lives; they want positive activities and opportunities to connect and thrive; and a real voice in shaping the programs and experiences designed for them,” David Muhammad, deputy director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), said.  

Muhammad and other community leaders including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced the new program at an event Tuesday, June 16, at James Madison Academic Campus. Madison is the site of one of the Twilight Centers.  

“It makes me feel seen, knowing we have so many adults wanting to give us a better future and making sure that we’re safe,” said Leilanna McAllister, who is graduating from Madison on June 23. “It’s really nice, honestly, to know that a lot of people that have our backs and want us to be better.” 

Monday to Saturday Evenings 

Expected to serve about 1,000 young people a day, Safe Summer Sites will be open from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  

Anthony Williams, a rising senior at Madison, said, “These are more than just programs. These are spaces where young people can feel welcomed, respected, valued, and can encounter things that can bring them happiness.” 

He added, “Just come along with us, hang out, feel free, feel safe in an environment where you’re going to be heard.” 

Safe Summer Sites will be expanding outdoors to parks, as well. Programming will be available for a span of age groups within the 12-to-20 range; activities for young people 18 to 20 will include Milwaukee Recreation’s Late Night Leagues. 

Easing Worries for Parents 

“If you’re a parent, especially the parent of a teenager, you know summer can bring more independence and also a few extra worries,” said Missy Zombor, president of the Milwaukee Board of School Directors and the parent of a 16-year-old. “We find ourselves constantly asking, who are our kids with, what are they doing, and, most importantly, are they safe?”  

“Opportunities outside of school during summer give parents peace of mind because we know they’re not just staying busy; they’re building friendships, learning new things, and spending time with caring, trusted adults who support them, and that’s where Safe Summer Sites come in,” she added. 

“This work is another way that we can come together as a community to provide the support our young people need to stay busy, especially during the summer months, because we know that the evening hours can either be a time of opportunity or a time of risk.  

“Together, we can help tip the balance toward opportunity,” President Zombor said. 

Schedule on Website 

Safe Summer Sites events and programming are being added continually at TapInMKE.com. See the list of Twilight Center locations on the Milwaukee Recreation website. 

One of the goals of having Safe Summer Sites is prevention. “Violence is not just a public safety issue but also a public health crisis,” said Reggie Moore, director of Community Safety Policy and Engagement for the Medical College of Wisconsin Comprehensive Injury Center.  

“The research is clear: Young people who have access to structured programming, caring mentors, and safe environments are significantly less likely to be involved in or become victims of violence. Safe Summer Sites is our community’s commitment to turning that evidence into action,” he said.