WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - School is out and the holiday weekend is upon us. Memorial Day Weekend last year was a violent one in Wichita. At least two people died in a series of shootings and a 15-year-old died after being hit by a car.

We are going into Memorial Day Weekend on the heels of a 19-year-old woman who was fatally shot trying to break up a fight in Old Town over the weekend. City leaders know when school is out, they have to find ways to keep the youth busy. We asked some residents how they feel about going out this coming weekend.

“Living downtown I feel like the last few weekends or so like there's been a lot of cops out and security,” said Jessica Tovar, a Wichita resident.

“I don't ever really feel safe going out. I don't think it matters this weekend, or last weekend or next weekend,” said Jennifer Crispin, another Wichita resident.

Last weekend a 19-year-old girl was fatally shot at Washington and 1st St. while trying to break up a fight. A shooter is on the run.

Wichita police responded to multiple shootings last Memorial Day Weekend. At least two people died. A 15-year-old girl died after being hit by a car.

We asked Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple what his message to young people and others going into this weekend.

“I think crime increases when school gets out. Our goal is to remind particularly young folks to make good decisions. We're also trying to do our part as a city by providing multiple really positive experiences for folks to keep themselves busy,” said Whipple.

Other city leaders are also concerned.

“I'm hoping that we don't see increases in violence, I’m hoping that we don't see increases in violence throughout the summer,” said Brandon Johnson, Wichita Councilman.

Johnson says the city is trying to do something about the violence by opening up rec centers and reaching out to church leaders. He believes more can be done.

“We have to do a better job of providing safe spaces for our young people, giving them something to do. And encouraging them to think differently about things, and what we've seen here recently,” said Johnson.

So, what is his suggestion?

“It could be just walking the streets of your neighborhood. Talking to those young people. See what's going on. Asking those questions,” said Johnson.

Johnson adds to curb a violent holiday weekend and summer, everyone will either come together and find a solution or they're going to keep having these same kinds of conversations.