HENDERSON, Nev. –Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Dr., is helping teens gear up for prom season by hosting its first ever Prom Boutique. The event provides teens with a low-cost opportunity to “swap out” for the perfect prom dress to suit their style and meet any budget.

To participate, teens (ages 14-18) can first register for the event online at cityofhenderson.com/parks (activity 151122-36) or in person at any City of Henderson recreation center. It’s $5 per person. Then from March 19-23, teens can drop off prom dresses they no longer want during Whitney Ranch Recreation Center’s normal hours of operation. For each dress dropped off, they will receive a token.

From 10:00 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 24, teens can bring their tokens to “shop” at the Prom Boutique event. In addition to prom dresses, the event will feature refreshments, music, and a fashion show featuring the latest in 2012 prom trends, styles and makeup. Each teen will also receive a swag bag loaded with goodies just for attending.

“Prom season is an exciting time for teens, but the reality is that many families are on tight budgets. That gorgeous dress with the big price tag is probably out of reach for many families,” said Sarah Johnson, Recreation program coordinator, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “Our Prom Boutique event is a super affordable alternative that gives teens the opportunity to swap out last year’s dress for a different one. While we can’t guarantee that every teen will find the right dress, we can promise that they’ll pick up some new ideas and have a great time.”

Johnson added that all dresses not claimed in the swap will be donated to Goodwill of Southern Nevada.

For additional information, call 267-5850 or visit cityofhenderson.com/parks.

The nationally accredited City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department provides premium services through diverse and innovative parks, recreation and natural resource opportunities. It serves the community with seven recreation centers (including a facility for adults 50+), 11 pools, 54 parks, five skate parks, two sports complexes, more than 65 linear miles of trails, Acacia Demonstration Gardens, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, and thousands of programs for people of all ages and abilities.