Colorado Springs Hosts 5th Annual BALLTOBERFEST for Community Engagement

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) will partner with SCHEELS to host the fifth annual BALLTOBERFEST on October 7, 2023. This community event aims to foster positive interactions between law enforcement and residents through sports and family-friendly activities.

A highlight of the day will occur at 10 AM when Colorado Flight for Life will deliver the 10,000th ball to the PlayCOS program via helicopter. This unique kickoff promises to captivate attendees and set an energetic tone for the event.

Community members are encouraged to participate by donating new sports balls, which will support the PlayCOS initiative. Launched in 2021, this program enables officers to distribute sports balls during their shifts, creating opportunities for spontaneous games with local children and teenagers. As officers keep several balls in their cruisers, the initiative not only promotes sports but also strengthens community bonds.

Participation incentives include a 20% discount on sports balls at SCHEELS, encouraging attendees to contribute to the program. The PlayCOS initiative has already facilitated over 60,000 positive interactions between police and community members through nearly 200 events. The City of Colorado Springs describes the program as a means for “our community to interact with officers in an organic, simple, and fun way.”

The CSPD’s efforts in community engagement were recognized when it received the 2022 International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Community Policing Award. This accolade highlights the effectiveness of partnerships that enhance community safety. According to the City of Colorado Springs, the program aims to establish “a long-term, ongoing sports program that will be a permanent fixture in CSPD’s department-wide community outreach efforts for years to come.”

Residents interested in attending BALLTOBERFEST can visit the SCHEELS location in Colorado Springs from 10 AM to 1 PM. The event will feature law enforcement vehicle displays, engaging games, and a chance to contribute to a cause that connects the CSPD with the neighborhoods it serves.

As BALLTOBERFEST marks its fifth year, the community looks forward to continuing the tradition of support and engagement with local law enforcement in a positive and recreational environment.