VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – In an effort to take back the community, the City of Virginia Beach is expected to expand a summer program that was created to curb youth violence.

The Parks After Dark program, which started in 2023, is typically held at Williams Farm Park. However, a decision was made to expand the program to the Level Green Neighborhood for summer of 2025.

The Level Green community is no stranger to youth violence. In May of 2024, a 16-year-old shot and killed another 16-year-old in the Level Green neighborhood. In a separate shooting, a 17-year-old was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting on Level Green Boulevard.

According to the city council agenda, $353,072 would be allocated for staffing and resources.

Parks After Dark is a free family friendly event that runs from June to August with music, movies, games and food. In addition, health and educational resources are available at each event.

During the event, police officers in uniform interact with the community by playing with kids and speaking with adults.

In 2022, Mayor Bobby Dyer and Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson created a Youth Violence Prevention Task Force. Following that, the idea for this event was created. Several youths are hired to help out with the program.

City council is expected to vote on the program on Sept. 17.

August 24 is the last Parks After Dark for 2024, and will run from Thursday through Saturday from 6-11 p.m. at Williams Farm Park.