The New York Police Department is sponsoring a new Day of Play, bringing officers into city parks to hang out with the city's kids.

It's one way the department is trying to curb the spike in violent crime. Shootings in the city are up almost 30% since last year.

The program will take place every Wednesday evening from 4 - 7p.m. for at least eight weeks across 86 city parks -- it could go on longer.

Parks were important in planning as officers can socialize and familiarize themselves with local residents, while protecting kids as they play with each other.

Program locations can be found on each precinct's social media pages.