Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz announced on May 20 a new summer safety strategy for Toledo, bringing together police, prosecutors, youth organizations, transit leaders, and community violence interveners. The initiative aims to ensure a safe summer by coordinating efforts across the city and offering a wide range of programs for young people.
Kapszukiewicz said the ongoing improvement in crime statistics shows that the city’s approach is effective. “As we’ve seen our crime stats continue to improve year after year, we know our approach is working,” he said. “Today we want to highlight all of our partners and, in particular, all the ways they’re going to bring positive opportunities to young people this summer.”
The city will offer seventy different summer programs including urban farming, basketball, podcasting, and more. City pools are set to open on June 2 with free swim lessons available in July and a new splash pad at Jamie Farr Park. Other activities include forty concerts in city parks such as Party in the Park and the Levitt BLOC Series, movie nights, pickleball clinics, and walking events throughout Toledo neighborhoods.
Councilman John Hobbs III highlighted the importance of collaboration among various groups: “If we work together — families, neighbors, faith leaders, and local government — we can create a safer, more connected community for everyone,” he said. “Because safety doesn’t start with policy, it starts with people.” Police Chief Mike Troendle acknowledged seasonal risks: “Unfortunately there is a correlation between the summer months and an increase in crime,” he said. He added that officers would be highly visible this season: “The Toledo Police Department will be out in full force to ensure our community is safe.”
Raymond Campos from Save Our Community emphasized non-violent conflict resolution: “Conflict is normal. Violence is not.” So far this year his organization has responded thirty-five times to gun violence incidents to prevent retaliation and conducted twenty direct conflict interventions while also providing mentorships and workforce support.
Toledo has recorded seven homicides so far this year—a twenty percent decrease from last year—and seven traffic-related fatalities as well. This connects with Vision Zero’s goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2031; Traffic Management Commissioner Stephanie Bartlett urged residents to follow road rules for safety.
Youth program partners funded by the city also spoke at the event about their contributions for local children during summer break. Kapszukiewicz concluded: “For anyone still saying there’s nothing to do in Toledo, that’s simply not true… Thank you again to all our partners who are making this not only an incredible summer for our young ones but a safe one too.” Residents can access information about events at toledo.oh.gov/summer.
