Cookout With the Cops Today at John Ward Park: Free Food and School-Supply Drive

Cookout With the Cops Today at John Ward Park: Free Food and School-Supply Drive

ANOKA, Minn. — The Anoka Police Department will host its annual “Cookout with the Cops” today, Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at John Ward Park, 2400 Forest Ave., Anoka.

The free, family-friendly event features hot dogs, chips, and freeze pops, as well as meet-and-greets with officers and squad vehicles on display. Attendees are encouraged to bring new school supplies and personal hygiene products to be donated to local schools.

For questions, residents can call 763-576-2807 or email the City Parks Department ( parksrec@ci.anoka.mn.us ).

Similar cookouts have been a staple of Anoka’s late-summer community programming for several years. Past events have occasionally been rescheduled due to extreme weather, with updates posted on the city’s Parks & Recreation calendar.

Why “Cookout with the Cops” Matters

1. Community Engagement & Trust Building
   The event provides a relaxed setting for residents to interact with officers outside of enforcement situations. Families and children can see police as approachable members of their community, not just authority figures.
2. Crime Prevention Through Relationships
   Knowing local officers encourages residents to report suspicious activity, share concerns, and cooperate during investigations, fostering trust crucial for effective community policing.
3. Education & Resources
   Attendees can learn about safety programs, youth engagement opportunities, and local services. Officers are available to answer questions about public safety, traffic, or crime trends.
4. Youth Outreach
   Children and teens can meet officers in a positive, engaging environment. Activities, food, and casual conversation help build mutual respect and counter negative stereotypes.
5. Strengthening Community Identity
   Sharing a meal symbolizes unity and partnership between the police and the community, fostering civic pride and a stronger sense of belonging in Anoka.
   

In short, the Anoka Police Department’s “Cookout with the Cops” is more than a free meal—it is a community-building event designed to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create a safer, more connected Anoka.

Event Details

• When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, 5–7 p.m.
• Where: John Ward Park, 2400 Forest Ave., Anoka, MN 55303
• Cost: Free
• Bring: New school supplies and personal hygiene products for donation
• Info: 763-576-2807 (City of Anoka/Police)

MinneapoliMedia