Council members cite rec programs and community events as ways to create safe youth spaces

Miles Chen asked how the county ensures kids have safe and affordable places to hang out and play. Council member Kate Stewart and others said Montgomery County’s Recreation Department partners with MCPS on after‑school programs and community events that provide activities and resources for young people. Stewart described a recent downtown Silver Spring event and a Veterans Plaza 'Buckets and Beats' tournament as examples of local, free programming that combines sports, arts and services.

Stewart also mentioned recent openings and planned centers (including a MOCO Pride Center in Silver Spring and a MOCO Community Center in Bethesda) and encouraged student input on programming. She stressed that creating trusted adult connections and transportation options are essential to making these places accessible to a broad range of youth.