Several officers with the Las Cruces Police Department Community Outreach Unit recently partnered with staff from Buena Vida Apartments to repair and replace basketball goals on that property.
LCPD officers learned the basketball court at Buena Vida Apartments, 1505 La Fonda Drive, 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.”
The morning of Saturday, June 12, LCPD Community Outreach officers, with City Councilor Gabriel Vasquez, invited youth who live at Buena Vida to a courtside party to mark the re-opening of the remodeled court. The Buena Vida Apartments are in City Council District 3, which is represented by Vasquez.
Approximately 30 youth participated in the courtside party.
LCPD officers played basketball with the youth during the two-hour event, engaged in a friendly water balloon fight, and handed out free ice cream. Buena Vida staff and management also participated.
The courtside party was made possible by the management of Buena Vida Apartments and the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, which provided coffee from Beck’s Coffee and pastries from Mom’s Coffee. Community of Hope staff members also provided vouchers for groceries.
Centennial High School Coach Jonathon Martinez learned of the restoration project and donated several basketballs to Buena Vida Apartments.
Community Outreach officers are planning a June 26 block party and a pre-Fourth of July cookout, on July 2, for Buena Vida residents.