Dallas Parks and Recreation will distribute 25,000 all-access passes that give Dallas teens free admission to cultural and recreational attractions across the city throughout July.

Passes will be available beginning June 29 on a first-come, first-served basis at City of Dallas recreation centers.

The program, now entering its fifth year, is open to Dallas residents ages 13 to 17. City leaders say the initiative, which launched in 2021, helps promote positive engagement opportunities for teens and reduce crime during the summer months.

Teens must register in person and provide proof of Dallas residency to receive a pass.

The city says the program is made possible through partnerships with local cultural, recreational, and entertainment organizations.

Participating attractions include:

• African American Museum
• Bahama Beach
• Bath House Cultural Center
• Latino Cultural Center
• South Dallas Cultural Center
• Oak Cliff Cultural Center
• Dallas Museum of Arts
• Community Art Pop Up Cultural
• Dallas Arboretum
• Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
• Dallas Park and Recreation Summer Fitness
• Dallas Zoo
• Frontiers of Flight Museum
• Golf Dallas
• Reunion Tower
• Shakespeare of Dallas
• State Fair of Texas
• Southern Skates Roller Rink
• Texas Discover Garden
• The Sixth Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza
• Trinity River Audubon

A full list of participating attractions and recreation centers distributing passes is available at DallasParks.org

Crews were making progress as they battled three brush fires in western Miami-Dade County on Friday, tackling hotspots and turning off power to help put the flames out.

Firefighters have worked for almost a week in uncomfortable heat to increase containment and keep flames from two fires away from people and businesses. On Wednesday, around 200 residents were evacuated and on Thursday, one firefighter was injured while battling the Quarry 2 fire and hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Now, a third blaze is also burning. But the rain that could make the difference in the firefight may not be far off.

What fires are burning?

The Quarry 2 fire had reached around 17,200 acres by Thursday night and was about 75% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

The Florida Forest Service said it responded to the blaze on Sunday, after it originated from a thunderstorm and lightning strike.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said its crews started battling it in the area of Northwest 137th Avenue and Northwest 25th Street on Monday.

A second fire, the Well Fire, was discovered on Thursday, has burned 1,310 acres and was 50% contained at last update earlier this week.

A third fire, the Coptic Fire, was discovered on Wednesday. It has burned 1,680 acres, is 40% contained and is being handled by the U.S. Forest Service since it’s burning on federal land.

200 residents evacuated; businesses feel the heat

Officials said Wednesday that around 200 residents of nearby Mack’s Fish Camp voluntarily evacuated and many were moved to a nearby fairgrounds while some went to live with family members. Some residents were encouraged to leave but chose to stay, officials said.

“No electricity. Can’t stay where there’s no electric; I need my air conditioning,” one resident, Lisa, said after leaving her home. “I packed my medicine, and my milk that’s going bad from the refrigerator that’s been off for four hours, and my tea, and here we are.”

Maurice Cullen, of Everglades Airboat Expeditions, said the longer the fires burn, the fewer customers he’ll see.

“It’s not good for business, it definitely stops everybody going to the Everglades,” he said. “It’s never good, but this is natural. This is a normal cycle out in the Everglades.”

No injuries have been reported, but people with respiratory conditions in the area were advised to stay indoors and recirculate the air from their air conditioners.

Officials wait for rain amid a heat index up to 110 degrees

Hundreds of staff, including Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue and the National Guard are all working alongside the Forest Service to put the flames out.

Officials say the biggest factor right now is the weather.

“We’re just hitting it hard with everything we have with our partners,” Patrick Mahoney said. “We need a weeklong, multi-day long rain event to really get us out of this.”

Fortunately, Friday could see some storms late in the afternoon and evening, which would kick off a wetter pattern for two or three days, NBC6 Meteorologist Adam Berg forecasts. The NWS says the rain on Friday will be “mainly focused over inland SoFlo.”

Winds have also remained calm, which is good because strong gusts could spread flames dangerously fast.

A heat advisory will be in effect again from noon until 7 p.m. in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, the National Weather Service said Friday. While not directly related to the fires, it makes the firefight more uncomfortable for first responders.

Heat indices up to 110° are possible.

Road closures

Krome Avenue remains shut down in both directions. The Miccosukee Police Department advised drivers to “avoid the area, expect delays, and seek alternate routes until further notice.”

New courts will bring access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports through youth programming, recreational play and community wellness initiatives

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta distributed the following announcement about the opening of new pickleball courts in East Cobb:

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta celebrated the grand opening of eight brand-new pickleball courts at its McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA location with a “First Dink” ceremony Wednesday, June 17. The new courts expand opportunities for community members of all ages to stay active, build connections and enjoy one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.

The event featured remarks by leaders from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Trae Young Family Foundation, followed by a ceremonial “First Dink.” Players from the Atlanta Bouncers, the city’s first professional pickleball team, closed out the celebration with a clinic, introducing community members to the game through demonstrations and hands-on play.

Made possible through donations from the Trae Young Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the YMCA community, the new pickleball courts will enhance a variety of YMCA programming, including youth camp camps, recreational play, leagues and opportunities for families and older adults to strengthen their physical and social well-being through active lifestyles.

“At the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to connect, grow and thrive through healthy living,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “These new pickleball courts will provide a welcoming space where children, families and older adults can build relationships, stay active and experience the joy of play together. We are grateful to the Trae Young Family Foundation and all the donors for helping make this investment in our community possible.”

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity nationwide, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta remains committed to creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to pursue healthier lifestyles and meaningful connections. The new courts at the McCleskey East-Cobb Family YMCA represent the latest example of the organization’s dedication to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.