Mayor Daniel Rivera announces a third school site for the Open Gym Program in Lawrence. “The Open Gym program is another example of the effort we have put into policing smarter,” Said Mayor Daniel Rivera. “Night gyms are an anti-gang tactic, ensuring the youth in our community spend less time on the street and more time in a productive, safe space. This effort, coupled with the increase of police hires over the last six years and our city-wide anti-crime cameras, will go a long way in increasing the quality of life of our residents, and, in the case of open gyms, our most at risk population.” The newest site for night gyms is the North Common Education Complex located at 58 Lawrence Street in Lawrence, and will open on Wednesday evenings beginning tomorrow, February 26^th.

The Open Gym program is a night gym that offers youth in Lawrence a safe haven five nights per week where they can play basketball and interact with Lawrence Police Officers. Night Open Gyms are an anti-gang tactic and part of a city-wide anti-crime effort that also includes the addition of police officers and a city-wide anti-crime camera program.

The Open Gym Program provides a safe, productive space for Lawrence Public School youth who are in grades 7 through 12 between the hours of 5:30PM- 8:30PM, Monday thru Friday. This program is offered at the Guilmette Middle School Tuesday and Friday, the South Lawrence East School Monday and Thursday, and Wednesdays at the North Common Educational Complex. (New location)

Details are below:

What: Open Gym

When: Wednesday Evenings

            5:30PM-8:30PM

Where: North Common Education Complex (Old L.H.S.)

            58 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, Gymnasium

One Lawrence Police Detective and the school resources officers are assigned in pairs each night on a rotating basis. On any given night they may be found playing basketball, throwing a football or participating in volleyball with the youth who attend. They also utilize their time at open gym building relationships with students and bridging the gap that exists between our city youth and police.