Virginia Acres Park, widely recognized in Aiken, South Carolina, as the location of the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, experienced a substantial police presence on the afternoon of January 26.
However, the reason was more to do with paddles than nightsticks as the law enforcement representatives were there exclusively to host a popular pickleball event!
A Big Hit
The “Pickleball with a Cop” mini-tournament was a big hit and attracted numerous pickleball enthusiasts who enthusiastically participated in approximately three hours of friendly competition.
The principal organizer of the event was Corporal Mark Blades, a representative of the Aiken Department of Public Safety. Blades, reflecting on his six years as a law enforcement officer, talked to Bill Bengtson at The Aiken Standard about his past involvement in similar events:
“This is the first time that we’ve done something like this. Being a law-enforcement officer for six years, I’ve done a bunch of. what’s called ‘coffee with a cop,’ where you have a cup of coffee and you talk to civilians.”
Playing In Uniform!
Blades had actually played on a few other occasions at the park – in uniform and pitched the idea of turning it into a community event to his fellow officer Joe O’Conor, who also went along to the tournament.
The objective, according to Blades, was threefold: to “come out, get partnered up with somebody, get to know them a little bit, kind of bring down the facade of a police officer, let them know that we’re just regular human beings like them and just come out and enjoy some pickleball, get a little exercise and some fellowship.”
The weather played its part with the mild afternoon temperatures in the upper 70s and only low humidity. Players buzzed around the outdoor courts, predominantly engaging in doubles matches but also switching partners constantly to build community connections.
Players paired up with officers for the event.
Blades added, “I think it’s absolutely vital in my day-to-day life. I may have 10 to 20 interactions on a daily basis but I might be the only cop they ever see in their life. So, I try to make a point and make a connection and try to treat them very kindly.”
A Special Way To Foster Community
Blades also acknowledged the misconception that his presence might indicate a law enforcement matter but emphasized the event’s intention was to play pickleball rather than make arrests!
“It’s a good time,” Blades said. “We just put a post on our social media. We made a little flyer with the date and where to be, and all these people showed up. It’s awesome.”
He put the attendance as being “at least 40-50.”
One of the participants was Chuck Buchanan, also the local ambassador for USA Pickleball in Aiken County. He said, “The weather really cooperated. This was just a special way to foster community. This is really what Aiken Pickleball is about.”
Dispelling The Notion
Buchanan also mentioned the many different indoor and outdoor options available to local players. He also applauded the inclusion of so many young players in the ADPS event, dispelling the notion that pickleball is exclusively for retirees.
He highlighted ongoing efforts, particularly through local schools, to introduce the sport to a broader demographic, including “tons of young people.”
Click here for another of our articles about pickleball in South Carolina.
