The Redlands Recreation Center will participate in the first “Lights On Afterschool” nationwide celebration of afterschool programs Thursday, Oct. 22.

The Recreation Center will also showcase its working recording studio, part of the center’s new youth and teen program, “Music Changing Lives,” with teen and youth musicians in the refurbished studio (a onetime locker facility) recording their own music.

The Redlands Recreation Center will be among 7,500 sites across the nation sending the message that city recreation afterschool programs are a key to our children’s success and that we must keep the lights on and doors open after school. Parents, employers, neighbors, school officials and others have been invited to help us rally support for safe, stimulating afterschool programs.

The rally will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. The program will include a 30-minute ceremony with a proclamation by Mayor Jon Harrison to Josiah Bruny, founder of the “Music Changing Lives” program. 

“Music Changing Lives” is a social and academic program that gives youth and teens the ability to write, record and perform music in the Community Center’s newly refurbished recording studio. Recreation volunteers converted an unused locker and shower room into a working recording studio, using 100 percent donated materials and all volunteer labor.

The benefits of quality, city funded afterschool programs are clear.  They support working families by ensuring that children are safe and productive when the school day ends, and they must leave school grounds.  Quality afterschool programs make our community stronger by involving students, parents, business leaders and volunteers.  Quality afterschool programs give children the opportunity to discover hidden talents as they grow academically and socially.

The Redlands Community Center programs and activities are sponsored by the Redlands Police Department. The Community Center is located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave. For more information on Community Center activities or to register, please call the center at (909) 798-7572.