Popsicles, Police Cars and a New Summer Tradition in Arnold

Officer Kevin Wilson says the free summer event is about cooling kids down and opening the door to stronger relationships between families and officers.

By The Jefferson Review

The Arnold Police Officers Association is once again inviting families to Arnold City Park this summer for a simple but meaningful community event: free popsicles at the playground.

“Popsicles at the Park” is being held on Wednesdays in June and July from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Arnold City Park Playground. The event is free and open to everyone, whether they live in Arnold or are just visiting the park.

Officer Kevin Wilson, President and Executive Director of the Arnold Police Officers Association, organized the event as a way to help officers stay connected with families during the summer months.

Wilson said the idea started last year after he began looking for ways the department and association could be more involved with the community outside of the school year. After seeing similar programs used by other agencies, he brought the idea to other school resource officers and then to Police Chief Brian Carroll, who Wilson said supported it from the beginning.

The program is funded through community outreach dollars raised by the Arnold Police Officers Association through its events during the year. According to the event flyer, it is paid for by the Arnold Police Officers Association 501(c)(3) and Behind The Badge Inc.

A simple idea with a bigger purpose

For Wilson, the goal is simple: get officers into the parks, give kids a cool treat, and help families feel comfortable talking with police officers in a relaxed setting.

“One of the biggest goals is just fostering that relationship with those who visit our parks,” Wilson said. “We want them to feel comfortable seeing us, to come say hi and talk to us.”

Wilson said the event is also about helping children see police officers as approachable people, not just someone they see during an emergency.

“We work with kids every day,” Wilson said. “When they’re out of school, we still want to promote positive, good behavior, check in on them, and give them a cool, refreshing treat.”

Each week, Wilson said officers load refrigerated coolers with popsicles and head to the park. Last year, when officers had popsicles left over, they sometimes drove through nearby neighborhoods after the event, asking parents first before offering popsicles to kids playing outside.

At first, Wilson said some people were unsure what was happening when they saw police cars at the park. But as the summer went on, more families began recognizing the event and coming out for popsicles, stickers, and conversation.

One of the highlights, Wilson said, has been seeing children recognize officers from school.

“Once they realize who we are, just seeing their face smile and light up, that’s definitely the highlight,” he said.

The event also carries a personal connection for Wilson. As a child, he remembers sheriff’s deputies driving through neighborhoods and handing out baseball cards. Now, decades later, he hopes Arnold children will build a similar memory in their own community.

For now, the event is being held at Arnold City Park, but Wilson said there have been discussions about possibly expanding to other city parks in the future, depending on participation and community feedback. He specifically mentioned Lang Park, where the city has invested in a new playground.

A message of community outreach

Wilson said he hopes the event shows families that the Arnold Police Officers Association and the Arnold Police Department care about being active and present in the community.

“We do care about the community,” Wilson said. “Our department cares about the community, and our command staff is very supportive of community outreach programs.”

The event is weather dependent. Families can stop by Arnold City Park on Wednesdays in June and July from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

There is no registration, no cost, and no commitment.

“Just come out, enjoy a free popsicle on us, stop by, say hi, and strike up a conversation,” Wilson said.

Popsicles at the Park will continue on Wednesdays in June and July at the Arnold City Park Playground, giving families a free way to cool off and a chance to meet the officers serving their community.