Pickleball with Police Community Event: Roanoke County Police will host the first-ever “Pickleball with Police” event on Saturday, May 17, at Garst Mill Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event invites the public to play pickleball and meet local officers in a fun, relaxed setting.
Building Community Through Pickleball
Officers will trade their uniforms for paddles as they join residents on the court. The event aims to strengthen ties between police and the community while promoting physical activity through pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Officer Caleb Forehand, Crime Prevention Coordinator for the Roanoke County Police Department, said,
“We’re continually looking for new and creative ways to connect with our community. Pickleball is the perfect mix of fun, fitness, and friendly competition — and this event is all about building trust with our community.” – (Caleb Forehand)
Free Lessons and Sneak Peek at the Tournament
The department has teamed up with Performance Pickleball, also known as PPBROA. Their staff will be on-site to provide free pickleball instruction for players of all ages and skill levels. This allows anyone—from beginners to experienced players—to join in.
The public will also get a preview of the upcoming “Guns and Hoses Pickleball Tournament.” This yearly competition features a spirited match-up between local first responders. Performance Pickleball will also host that event.
Strengthening Community Connections
“Pickleball with Police” is part of a series of outreach efforts planned by the Roanoke County Police Department. The goal is to create more open, friendly spaces where officers and residents can connect outside of emergencies.
By bringing people together through sport, the event hopes to build trust and understanding in Roanoke County. More community programs are expected in the future as the department continues to explore new ways to engage residents.
News in Brief: Pickleball with Police Community Event
Roanoke County Police will host “Pickleball with Police” on May 17 at Garst Mill Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes games, free lessons from Performance Pickleball, and a preview of the “Guns and Hoses Pickleball Tournament.” The goal is to connect officers with the community.
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