DELLWOOD, Mo. – Dellwood’s recreation center opened its doors Friday night to area teens interested in playing basketball for free.  

The city’s mayor, Reggie Jones, believes the newly launched Midnight Madness basketball program will help give area youth a positive outlet to burn energy and a place where positive relationships are formed.

“It’s really a multi-faceted approach and the main target is to try and drive down youth-related crimes in north county,” Jones said.

The program includes the Riverview Gardens, Hazelwood, Normandy, Ferguson-Florissant and Jennings school districts.  

Several community organizations and service providers, such as Employ St. Louis and Refuge and Restoration, are also involved.  

The North County Police Cooperative (NCPC) is another partner, providing engagement and security.

“We’re more than just a badge and a gun; we are people that are embedded in our communities,” said Det. Benjamin Santoyo, NCPC.

Janelle Turner brought her 12-year-old son to play basketball and enjoy a positive experience.

“I think this is going to give an opportunity for him to learn how to engage and speak up and be about community, which is really important,” Turner said.

Jones said funding for the program came from a grant from the St. Louis Violence Prevention Commission.  

For now, the games are played from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday nights through the end of July. Jones hopes to add more hours as the program moves forward.

Registration information is available at the Dellwood Recreation Center by calling 314-869-8686.