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Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel walked around Chew Playground, 1800 Washington Ave., Saturday afternoon with a smile on his face.
“It gives you a real good feeling. … I just love seeing it,” he said.
Bethel was referring to the 17th District’s annual Family, Fun and Safety Day, which not only allows neighborhood children to enjoy time in the sun in their own backyard, but also a chance to interact with the officers.
“I think it lets them see us in a totally different light. It’s not an adversary position,” the former leader of the 17th District, who oversaw a few community days during his time as the 17th District captain between 2005 and ’08, said.
It also helps the youths to stay on the right path while allowing adults to feel more comfortable coming forward with concerns, Capt. Anthony Washington, who currently is at the helm of the 17th District, 20th and Federal streets, said.
“I believe it puts down that wall. It gives them an opportunity to see police officers being human,” Washington said noting the district’s changing atmosphere that includes reduced violence and increased community involvement.
The district also holds movie nights throughout the year and an annual Christmas party for the youngsters in addition to the annual outdoor summer gathering that began as a back-to-school event about nine years ago.
“It’s a way of showing our appreciation to the community — their cooperation and working with us to improve the quality of life,” he said.
Formerly held at Wharton Park, 2300 Wharton St., the activities shifted to Chew, a more centralized location, last year, Washington said. Thanks to donations, the event continues to grow, with about 500 attendees this year. Area businesses donated food and funds to allow the district to purchase raffle giveaways, such as bookbags, laptops, bikes and a television. The musicians donated their time, as did the off-duty officers who made appearances throughout the four-hour time span.
“We don’t have any violence at these events,” Washington said. “People laugh and have a good time.”
Tina Mack, a Safe Corridors program volunteer, brought her sons Sylas, 4, and Jamal, 1, out to enjoy the festivities as she donated her time.
“I think that it’s very nice because a lot of kids don’t get to do a lot in the summer,” the resident of 22nd and Moore streets said noting parents’ hectic work schedules or lack of funds as possible reasons.
Friends Beverly Johnston and Tamela Leonard enjoyed spending the day with their children, who participated in the 10 a.m. bike ride around the district.
“It was fun,” Shadiyah Leonard, 9, of the 1400 block of South 15th Street, said of the cycling. “It was exercise.”
By 1:30 p.m., the families had taken in the whole event, including the complimentary food, moon bounces and face painting.
“It’s something giving back to the kids,” Johnston, of the 1700 block of South Mole Street, said. “You don’t find too much for the little ones.
“It’s nice,” Leonard added. “I’m just having a good time.”
Washington just hopes to be able to carry on Bethel’s community-driven spirit in his expanse, which covers South of South, as well as most of Grays Ferry and Point Breeze, extending from Lombard to Moore streets, Broad Street to the Schuylkill River.
“It’s one of those moments when you find your job that much more rewarding when you see this,” Washington said.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in this week’s Police Report:
Fighting off the perp
Stare down
Holdup before pickup
Safe stealer
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