APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Local police organizations are teaming up with a trampoline park to help connect with children.
There could soon be many more children, jumping for joy at SkyZone Trampoline Park in Appleton.
Thanks to a new initiative with local law enforcement.
That initiative is called a “SkyTation”… good for 30 minutes of free jumping. There’s currently about 35,000 of the cards printed, and in the hands of local law agencies to hand out to kids being good around the community.
Sgt. Dave Lund with the Appleton Police Department tells WLUK he’s says there are many ways to use this program.
“Be able to leave kids with something more permanent than just contact with them. If they’re wearing a seat belt on a traffic stop, or if they come through the police department on a field trip. There’s so many ways that we’re going to be able to implement the “SkyTation” program.”
The agencies involved say creating good relationships with children can help mold relationships through the entire community.
Capt. Edgar Gonzalez with the Neenah Police Department.
“We’ve been taking active steps to actually make the officers spend more time with the community, and encourage that interaction, and this is one of those steps.”
While the national, and sometimes local, narrative isn’t always positive between police and the community, Lund hopes this program will be a leap in the right direction.
“If we’re able to get down on their level, maybe talk to them a little bit, maybe have some type of bond, it’s very important to law enforcement and children as they grow up.”
Some of the other agencies participating include; Kaukauna, Fox Valley Metro, Ashwaubenon, and Green Bay.
