San Diego parks host free block parties for kids at night

• The free events that feel like block parties run Thursday–Saturday, 5–8pm, from June 6 through August 1 at City Heights, Linda Vista, Memorial, Skyline Hills and Silver Wing rec centers.

Catch up quick: The annual program launched in 2022 as a way to turn urban parks into safe, family-friendly spaces during summer nights.

Between the lines: Most San Diego residents live within a 10-minute walk of a public park, according to a recent report by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land (TPL).

• But that park space is smaller and harder to access for residents in low-income neighborhoods and neighborhoods with mostly non-white residents than those in wealthier, predominantly white areas, the report found.

Of note: The fun starts Friday, June 5, at Memorial Rec Center in Logan Heights.

• There won't be any events June 19 or July 2–4.
• The program ends early (July 19) at Silver Wing in Otay Mesa West.