Rock the Park is a program created by Magnuson Community Center to serve the youth living at Solid Ground’s transitional and low-income housing at Sand Point. The program is funded by donations from organizations in Magnuson Park, nearby community centers and businesses, and community members. The goals of the program is to promote learning through fun and hands-on recreation activities.
During the school year, Rock the Park participants take part in after-school activities such as dance, game/move nights, health classes, and late night programs for teens. During the summer, drama, soccer, rock climbing, sailing, and tennis classes are offered, as well as field trips and special events for youth 10 to 18 years old. The program also trains and provides a stipend to teen participants to serve as mentors and to lead activities under the supervision of professional staff.
This fall, six girls participated in a radio program through Rock the Park in which they interviewed Magnuson staff. The program was sponsored by the non-profit Jack Straw Productions and SPACE, and will be aired on the Magnuson Park radio station. On Halloween, 30 Rock the Park youth attended Magnuson Community Center’s Halloween Make-up Headquarters, in which kids got their faces painted by theater experts. At the end of November, Rock the Park helped organize a Thanksgiving feast for more than 40 Solid Ground youth and on December 2, 40 Rock the Park teens were able to attend the Teen Night Out at the Seattle Art Museum, an event that featured workshops and art-making activities led by Seattle artists.
Thanks to Rock the Park, diverse groups of youth have the opportunity to be active, learn about healthy behaviors, and explore all that Magnuson Park and the surrounding community has to offer!
