SAN DIEGO — The community gathered at Southcrest Park and Recreation Center to take part in resources, activities and live music.
With several of the city’s local parks dealing with violence and drugs, the goal for ‘Peace in the Park’ is to make them feel safer for families to enjoy and reduce crime.
“The area gets a bad reputation so to have the safety that we have right now, to me that's the best part,” Event attendee Karla Gonzalez said.
San Diego Police say several parks have experienced crime. In February, a teenager shot and killed a 22-year old man while a kids basketball game was happening close by. A second shooting happened at the same park in October. People say it's a similar theme at other San Diego parks.
“Many of our families don't come to the park because they're being taken by other individuals and they feel unsafe,” Diamond Business Association Vice President Karla Ruiz said.
Despite the feeling of unease by some community members, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit says its events like these that help make San Diego the safest large city in America.
“It's about building that trust so they can be the eyes and ears and they can feel comfortable reporting it to us,” Nisleit said.
Hundreds of families made their way to the event, with many organizations present to offer local resources.
“we’re trying to break barriers and stereotypes because its a multi-cultural melting pot right here of everybody,” Peace in the Park Coordinator, Gabriel Yslas said.
Organizers hope this event continues to grow for years to come.
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