Hyde Park Volunteers to Secure 53rd Street Halloween
Organizer Bennie Currie is seeking volunteers to monitor Hyde Park on October 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Other — General
Live Poll
Do you support organized volunteer efforts to supervise youth in your community on Halloween night?
Hyde Park community leader Bennie Currie is calling for volunteers to monitor 53rd Street on Halloween night, October 31, 2026. The effort is part of an ongoing initiative to prevent teen takeovers and property damage.
Why it matters
The program aims to provide a safe, supervised environment for local youth to celebrate while curbing the violence and vandalism seen in the neighborhood during previous Halloween celebrations.
In 2018, more than 12 cars were damaged and two students were beaten and robbed in Hyde Park on Halloween night. Since 2019, the CollaBOOration event has worked to mitigate such incidents by offering teens music, entertainers, and free food.
The players
Bennie Currie
Bennie Currie is a long-term Hyde Park resident of over 30 years who has led the community safety initiative since 2019.
The details
The CollaBOOration effort relies on adult volunteers to maintain a high level of visibility along 53rd Street. These volunteers work to ensure that festivities remain orderly and secure for all residents.
Timeline
In 2018, teen takeovers caused significant damage and violence in Hyde Park.
Bennie Currie launched the CollaBOOration community effort in 2019.
Volunteers plan to monitor 53rd Street on October 31, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This volunteer-driven approach mirrors broader urban trends where community groups take active roles in local safety to supplement traditional municipal presence. It signals a shift from reactive policing toward proactive community engagement during major event nights.
Residents can contribute to neighborhood safety by signing up to volunteer for the shift on October 31. The event provides teens with a structured alternative, changing how youth engagement is managed on major holidays in Hyde Park.
The takeaway
Community-led events like CollaBOOration highlight the effectiveness of proactive adult presence in maintaining public safety. Residents looking to support their neighborhood can reach out to organizers to fill the remaining volunteer spots.
Further reading
For more on community initiatives and local events, visit the Chicago Other — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
Live Poll
Do you support organized volunteer efforts to supervise youth in your community on Halloween night?
