On June 18, Heritage Park became the scene of some serious strategy as the Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department hosted its 3rd Annual Cops vs. Kids: Chess & Checkers event.
Organized by Officer Ward, the event brought together police officers, Fire/EMS personnel, city officials, and local children for a morning of friendly competition, laughter, and community connection. Players of all ages and skill levels took a seat across the chess and checker boards, and one thing quickly became clear… no one was giving an inch! Every match was played with determination, good sportsmanship, and plenty of smiles.
Even Ivins City Manager Chuck Gillette joined the fun, challenging young players and enjoying the opportunity to connect with families in a relaxed setting.
Helping behind the scenes was Sam Haws, the incoming Ivins Youth Council Mayor. In preparation for the event, Sam worked with fellow Youth Council members, including Chloe Nickle, to visit local businesses seeking refreshments for participants. Their efforts resulted in generous donations from two outstanding community partners: Ace Hardware in Santa Clara donated popcorn, and Harmons Grocery in Santa Clara donated eight dozen donuts (plus a few more), helping make the event even more enjoyable for everyone who attended.
Community events like Cops vs. Kids remind us that building relationships doesn’t always happen during emergencies or official meetings. Sometimes it happens across a chessboard, over a game of checkers, or while sharing popcorn and donuts in the park.
A sincere thank you goes to Officer Ward for organizing another outstanding event, to the police officers, Fire/EMS personnel, city staff, and volunteers who participated, and to the local businesses whose generosity helped make the day a success.
Congratulations to Sam Haws for helping support this community event and for continuing the Youth Council’s tradition of service and leadership. We look forward to seeing his leadership as he begins his term as Youth Council Mayor this year.
