Police reach out to local skaters through picnic

Usually the only hot dogs at Naperville's Centennial Beach Skate Park are the skaters doing stunts.

But Saturday, Naperville police and KidsMatter staffers will serve hot dogs and other edibles to skaters at an annual Skaters' Picnic.

This is the fourth year for the event that police officials say is a way for the department and local skaters to interact in a casual setting. The picnic is timed to run in conjunction with the Last Fling, running all weekend along the Riverwalk and downtown.

"Adolescence is one of the most difficult age groups to have a positive relationship with," said Cmdr. Ken Parcel, who created the event. "It's their park, so we meet them there."

Now staged by KidsMatter, a local children's advocacy group, the skater's picnic draws upward of 250 participants.

"We get skaters of all age groups, from tots to teens," said IdaLynn Wenhold, KidsMatter executive director. "We feel it's of critical importance to show the skating population we know they are valued members of this community."

Besides the free grub served up by Belgio's Catering, the first 100 skaters to show up to the picnic that runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will receive a free T-shirt. A logo created by Deanne Fulner was designed specifically for the event, Wenhold said.

The event also is sponsored by the Skate Shack in Lisle, which is offering dozens of prizes for a raffle. Some of the bigger prizes include a new board and new shoes. Ben Wiersum Sound Technology is providing music, Wenhold said.

Parcel recognizes the chasm between police and the skateboarding population is often wide and that's why he believes it's important for officers to make the effort to reach out to the youngsters.

"We're just going there to say we can have a healthy relationship," Parcel said. "It doesn't have to be adversarial."

About 10 to 15 officers participate in the event, Parcel said.

If you go

What: Last Fling Skaters Picnic

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Centennial Beach Skate Park, 500 W. Jackson Ave.

Cost: Free

Info: lastfling.org