Community event at revitalized park brings together youths and family

Lower Township, NJ – The Lower Township Healthy Youth Coalition’s (LTHYC) partnered with the Township of Lower to provide free laser tag to more than 200 participants at Township of Lower’s Family Fun Night. Held at Clem Mulligan Park, the back-to-school celebration for youth and families also featured games, food trucks, a bounce house, live music, and an outdoor movie.

The LTHYC, a Cape Assist initiative, worked with Egg Harbor Township’s LWG Lasertag to run to multiple games of laser tag over two hours, with the goal of youth teaming up with friends and family members to have some stress-free fun on the Friday night after the first week of the new school year. Other event activities continued until 9:00 p.m. Participating agencies included the Lower Township Department of Parks & Recreation, Lower Township Police Department, the Lower Cape Alliance and the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

The LTHYC as well as Cape Assist host events just like the Family Fun night throughout the year to provide local youth a chance to socialize in a safe environment, while also allowing them the opportunity to share the organization's mission of reducing substance misuse. By planning and implementing strategies and hosting events, they are fostering community collaboration and becoming a resource for information.

“These events give our youth the space to feel like they belong and the chance for them to not only develop strong relationships with other local youth, but also the communities and organizations surrounding them,” said Cape Assist’s Director and CEO Katie Faldetta. “The goal isn’t to just keep them busy, it’s to help them grow into responsible teens and adults. By providing them with the tools to succeed, we are creating an environment full of opportunity.”

Clem Mulligan Park, located in the heart of the Villas, was once known for its blight and reputation for drug activity and misuse. The park was renovated in 2021 by the Township, adding a skate park, walking path and lighting. It's now known as a safe community space for family fun nights and youth athletic events like soccer games.

“Getting to use this space, something that had such a negative reputation, sends a really powerful message to our youth,” said LTHYC Coordinator Jodi Corbett. “It shows the potential for positive change and reiterates the value of our community. Creating these safer environments creates a more connected community. That’s our whole mission.”

For more information on the LTHYC or Cape Assist, go to CapeAssist.org.