The summer’s final Operation Respect Yourself event, called “Back to School Extravaganza,” is set for today at Westside Park.
The event is the combined efforts of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Gainesville Police Departments’ Operation Respect Yourself program, aimed at curbing youth violence. The event will be held on today at Westside Park, located at 1001 N.W. 34th St. A full day of youth activities begins at 9 a.m., and culminates with a pool party at 11 a.m. Other events throughout the day include a basketball game featuring the Heat Wave basketball champions against the Gainesville Police Department, an instructional sports clinic and a charity swim challenge in which the winning four-person relay team will get to donate $500 to the charity of its choice. The swim challenge is open to youths up to age 19. Admission to the pool is free swimmers must wear a lined swimsuit (no basketball shorts, etc.). Free hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks will also be available. Also to be given away on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. will be 100 bookbags filled with school supplies, along with 50 totes. “My guess is that by 10, all of them will be gone,” Capt. Lonnie Scott said of the bookbags and totes. Operation Respect Yourself is a continuing effort by the Gainesville Police Department and the city of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department to reach out to and educate area juveniles about the consequences of engaging in violent behavior. The program provides non-violent alternatives for conflict resolution.
This event will also provide an opportunity for area juveniles to interact with law enforcement personnel in a non-threatening environment.