The relationship between the police and teenagers — especially skateboarders — sometimes can be problematic, but the Bartlett Police Department doesn’t think it has to be.

Each year since the village’s skate park opened, the Police Department and the Bartlett Park District have teamed up to invite teens out for an afternoon of food, music and skating. The seventh annual Skate Park Bash will be held Friday, June 19.

“We just felt there was a need to improve the community-police relations, especially with the youth population,” Sgt. Geoffrey Pretkelis said.  “A lot of times the Police Department has a difficult relationship with the teen population.”

The Skate Park Bash gives skaters a chance to get to know the local police officers in an environment that’s comfortable to them, he said.

“It’s been a lot of fun going out and barbecuing for them and watching the skate,” Pretkelis said.

The police will cook up hot dogs and a disc jockey will be playing music.
Courtney Suffredin, recreation supervisor for the Park District, said the event is a good opportunity for the police to meet teens in a place where they like to hang out.

“There are so many kids there all the time,” Suffredin said. “It’s nice to have the police come out and interact with them.”

Local skateboard store Yeah Boardshop is sponsoring the event and also will be on hand to offer giveaways and skating demonstrations.

Steve Davenport opened the shop at 148 Bartlett Plaza a little more than a year ago.

“Last year, the Bartlett Police Department approached us and asked us to help out,” Davenport said “We’re glad to do it again this year.”