Children pledge to a summer with no violence at “The Streets Belong to Me” event

PEORIA (WEEK) - The “Streets Belong to Me” community celebration kicked off summer Friday at the Proctor Recreation Center in Peoria. The event was held by the Peoria Park District from 5 to 7:30 Friday.

The goal is for children to pledge to do positive and healthy activities over the summer to stay out of violence. The saying “Streets Belong to Me” is meant to inspire the youth to spread positive energy by taking ownership of their streets.

The Peoria Park District, Bre’s Cheer and Dance Cottage, Royal Family 309, and other organizations are partnering for Friday’s event. Families and kids can learn more about the activities and services they offer, and sign up for summer programs. Proctor Recreation Center and the Peoria Friendship House are two examples of organizations that have summer programs for kids to join.

Jonelle McCloud, General Manager of the Proctor Recreation Center, said “Non-violence is so important and I feel like if the children are involved in different activities in the summer they won’t be at home on their phones, they won’t be at home doing negative things on social media ... So there’s no excuse for a child walking around, doing nothing for the summer. "

She also added that this event is so important because, “...sometimes a lack of communication, people don’t know what’s going on right around their streets. And it gives you and opportunity to find out what can I do for my child this summer.”

There was free food and shaved ice for the first 100 people. There was also music, cheerleading and dancing, and even some pick-up basketball games.

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