GLENDALE : Boxing Program Comeback Planned

After shutting down in late July, the Glendale Youth Boxing program is expected to make a comeback Sept. 8, organizers said Wednesday.

The program, which made its debut June 7, has been on the sidelines since the last week of July to give city officials the chance to purchase and install $10,000 worth of new equipment in a gymnasium at Glendale Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Louise St.

The Glendale Police Department, a co-sponsor with the city’s parks department, had hoped to reopen the gym last week. New carpeting and a boxing ring have been installed, but four heavy punching bags and wall mirrors are not yet ready, said Officer Rod Brooks.

On Tuesday, police mailed notices about the reopening to 26 teen-agers who signed up for the program in June. The program has averaged 10 to 12 youths per session. It mainly reaches out to 13- to 17-year-old teen-agers within the Glendale Unified School District.

In September, sessions will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m.

“We’ve had a layoff of several weeks now, so we want to make sure of their physical condition,” Brooks said.