Several officers from the Las Cruces Police Department’s Community Outreach Unit recently partnered with staff from Buena Vida Apartments to repair and replace basketball goals on their property.
LCPD officers learned the basketball court at Buena Vida Apartments had fallen into disrepair and needed some of the goals to be repaired or replaced.
“Officer Johnny Rivera worked with apartment management to facilitate the necessary repairs,” said Erik Hechler, a sergeant with LCPD’s Community Outreach Unit. “This was a great community partnership by all involved and I could not be any prouder of our team.”
On the morning of Saturday, June 12, LCPD Community Outreach officers, along with Las Cruces City Councilor Gabriel Vasquez, invited youth who reside at Buena Vida to a courtside party to mark the re-opening of the remodeled court. The Buena Vida Apartments, at 1505 La Fonda Dr., are located within City Council District 3 which is represented by Vasquez.
Approximately 30 youth participated in the courtside party.
During Saturday event, LCPD officers played basketball with the youth, engaged in a friendly water balloon fight, and handed out free ice cream. Staff and management from Buena Vida also participated in the 2-hour event.
The courtside party was made possible by the management of Buena Vida Apartments, and the Community of Hope which provided coffee from Beck’s Coffee and pastries from Mom’s Coffee. Staff from the Community of Hope also provided vouchers for groceries.
Coach Jonathon Martinez from Centennial High School learned of the restoration project and donated several basketballs to Buena Vida Apartments.
Community Outreach officers are planning a block party for the residents of Buena Vida on June 26 and a pre-Fourth of July cookout on July 2.