THE NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT organized a softball game between area teens, and the local police department. The purpose of the game was twofold. First, to celebrate National Law Enforcement Week, second to establish an informal rapport between teens and police.

Naperville Park District Youth Extension Services worker contacted representatives of the local teen groups. These groups had, in the past, appeared to have the best desirable record in relationships and confrontation with the police. The Park District Recreation Superintendent worked with the police department in organizing their team.

The game date was set and preparations for an informal gathering after the game were made.

Although there was very little advanced publicity on the event, over 500 people turned out to watch the contest. After the game refreshments were provided and the dialogue between the two groups was invaluable. An avenue of communication was developed. Common problems of today were not the topics of discussion, but rather both groups were finding answers to the questions of "Who are you?", "What are you really like?"

Teens find that the police are human just like anyone else as they meet in competition on the athletic field.

Besides possibly bridging a communicative gap other program ideas developed for teen's through listening to them talk. Car rallies, a teen playground program, arts and crafts workshop and informal periodic police youth get-to-gethers are now being planned.

Community involvement has been established through this event. The involvement coming from two groups that are, in many cases, on extreme opposite ends of most issues.

Although this athletic contest is certainly not the panacea of police-youth communication, nor the answer to teen programming but in both areas it appears to have been a great step in the right direction.

Jerry Handlon is Superintendent of Recreation for the Naperville Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation    11    July/August, 1971