VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach City Council approved funding to expand the Parks After Dark program on Tuesday.
The summer program, which is free for participants, brings young people together in park spaces with hands-on activities to keep them in a safe space.
The council's decision comes after 16-year-old Jordan Williams was shot and killed near Level Green Park.
"I feel bad for the teenagers, they need something to do," said longtime Level Green resident Ann Nowelo.
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Nowelo's concerns stem from several recent homicides in Hampton Roads, which sadly involved children and teens. This includes the shooting death of 16-year-old Jordan Williams who was killed near Level Green Park.
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Ahead of the city council meeting, families living in Level Green told us they hope the council can find the funding.
"If we can give them a safe place to hang out and a safe place to play and the ability to have a good time, I think it will at least ease the tension that rises around here," said resident Julie House.
"When kids don't have anything to do, that's when they get into gangs and then the violence starts," said Louis Alterio.
Virginia Beach has seen fewer homicides in 2024 than this time last year. Five of the city's seven homicides this year have involved people under the age of 18, according to Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate.
