How do you spread safety and goodwill throughout the city? By firing up the grill, of course.
The St. Paul police and their grills are returning to city neighborhoods this summer with the department's Safe Summer Nights program. Burgers, brats and a lot of socializing will be served up each Thursday -- June through August -- in different parts of the city.
It is the second year the department will host the barbecues, which are free and open to the public. The Safe Summer Nights program is designed to provide opportunities for police officers to become acquainted with residents of the neighborhoods they serve over a meal rather than during times of trouble.
St. Paul police officers will bring horse and motorcycle units to the summer cookouts as well as handouts for kids. Food for the events is donated by local businesses, including Superb Meats, a food wholesaler based on W. 7th Street.
The cookouts run from 5 to 7 p.m. No registration is necessary to attend, and everyone is welcome.
Here is the schedule:
Thursday, June 4
Wilder Recreation Center
958 Jessie St.
Thursday, June 11
Hamline Park
1564 Lafond Ave.
Thursday, June 18
Rice Park
109 W. 4th St.
Thursday, June 25
Groveland Recreation Center
2021 St. Clair Ave.
Thursday, July 2
Weida Park
637 Burr St. N.
Thursday, July 9
Douglas Park
328 W. Stevens St.
Thursday, July 16
Carty Park
705 Iglehart Ave.
Thursday, July 23
Arlington Hills Recreation Center
1200 Payne Ave.
Thursday, July 30
McDonough Recreation Center
1544 Timberlake Rd.
Thursday, Aug. 6
West Minnehaha Recreation Center
685 W. Minnehaha Ave.
Thursday, Aug. 13
Margaret Park
1109 Margaret St.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Conway Recreation Center
2090 Conway Ave.
Thursday, Aug. 27
Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center
800 Conway St.