Columbia parks staying open late for teen programs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Columbia is opening three of its recreation centers this summer so teens can have safe places to hang out.

The city’s “Prime Time in the Parks” program begins Friday at community centers in Hyatt Park and Martin Luther King Park, as well as Greenview Park. Each Friday night until Aug. 12, the centers will have extended hours until 11 p.m. for youth between 13 and 18 years old.

Teens are required to show a student ID or driver’s license to register for activities including fitness, music and games.

Mayor Steve Benjamin says he hopes the program will give young people positive activities to keep them busy during the summer break.