FOR RELEASE
June 13, 2022
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Andrea Hawkins | andrea.hawkins@dallascity.hall | (817) 994-2498
This summer, 10,000 Dallas teens can visit some of the city’s more popular cultural and recreational attractions – for free
Dallas mayor announces Amazon as sponsor for city’s Teen All Access Pass
(DALLAS) - For the second year, Dallas teens can explore some of the city’s iconic cultural and recreational attractions – at no cost. Mayor Eric Johnson and Dallas Park and Recreation Department today announced details of the Teen All Access Pass at a press conference at Bahama Beach Waterpark and welcomed Amazon as this year’s title sponsor.
The Teen All Access Pass provides complimentary admission in July for ages 13 to 17 and up to three friends and family members at 12 signature museums, nature and botanical gardens, outdoor entertainment venues, and leisure facilities. The Pass highlights Dallas Park and Recreation’s observance of Park and Recreation Month in July, a national awareness of the importance of parks, public recreation, and the professionals that provide leisure programs and services all year long.
Park officials will make 10,000 Teen All Access passes available only to Dallas residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Starting June 27, teens can sign up and receive a pass at a City of Dallas recreation center although the pass will not be activated and ready for use until July 1. Pass details and recreation center locations are at DallasParks.org.
“As the mayor of this great city, as the father of three young children, and as someone who grew up in underserved and overlooked communities in West Dallas and Oak Cliff, the Teen All Access Pass is one of my favorite programs," said Mayor Eric Johnson. "Through this remarkable partnership, we are allowing children across Dallas to learn and grow during the summer months — while also highlighting and supporting our city’s outstanding parks, cultural offerings, and entertainment venues. The program's inaugural year was a huge success, and I am grateful that we are again offering these passes this year, thanks to Amazon and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Together, we are demonstrating that Dallas is for families."
“Visits to cultural institutions can be the spark for teens that inspire lifelong interests and dedicated pursuit of career dreams,” said Head of Community Affairs for Amazon’s North Texas Region Vickie Yakunin. “Amazon is committed to investing in communities in which we operate and is proud to join with Mayor Johnson and Dallas Park and Recreation in providing Dallas teens with free access to fun, safe and enriching summer activities.”
Dallas Park and Recreation last year joined with select attractions and venues to launch the Teen All Access Pass, issuing 7,066 passes to teens and their companions that resulted in 14,279 free admissions. This year, three additional partner organizations are offering complimentary admission: African American Museum at Fair Park, Golf Dallas, and Perot Museum of Nature and Science. They will join returning partners:
- Bahama Beach Waterpark
- City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
- Dallas Public Library
- Dallas Zoo
- Shakespeare Dallas
- Southern Skates Roller Rink
- Trinity River Audubon Center
Using his pass to visit Bahama Beach for the first time, Alejandro, 17, said, “I really enjoyed the water slides and the mat races. The lazy river was also enjoyable. I had a good time and with admission for me and my brothers being free, it made it even better. I really appreciated the Teen All Access Pass because of the various activities it allowed me to experience for free. I can proudly vouch that the Teen All Access Pass made my previous summer much more enjoyable.”
Dallas Park and Recreation officials said the pass expands leisure and learning options for many youth, exposing them to different sights and sounds around the city. Arun Agarwal, President of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, said, "Young people are the future of this city and we want them to have the knowledge and exposure they will need to create a well-rounded life for themselves. With the Pass, they will see what makes Dallas a world-class city.”
This is the second year Trinity River Audubon Center has been a participating partner. “We are honored to participate for a second year in the Park and Recreation Department’s Youth All-Access Pass program,” said Shelly White, Center Director. “We look forward to sharing our center and trails with program youth and families, thus allowing visitors to learn more about our local ecosystems while experiencing the benefits of nature,” White added.
Additional partners, said park and recreation officials, are needed to serve more teens next year. “We are excited new organizations are pass partners and encourage more venues and attractions to help us expand and serve more youth. Partnerships that support parks and public recreation help create equitable and accessible leisure opportunities for all families and communities," said John D. Jenkins, Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
