Splash event brings police, disability community together

Police officer high fiving a child with a bouncy house in the background

Sept. 4, 2025 - Smiles, laughter and splashes filled the air earlier this summer as children with disabilities and their families joined the Lakewood police agents for a day of fun designed to build trust and understanding. Community Aquatics n’ Occupational Engagement, or CANOE, hosted the first-ever Splash and Play event in partnership with the Lakewood Police Department and other community organizations. The family-friendly gathering offered swimming, bounce houses, portable splash pads and more, giving children with disabilities (mainly autism) firsthand experience with swimming and splashing, while also raising awareness about the new Blue Envelope Program.

The Blue Envelope Program helps agents identify, via easy-to-recognize symbols on vehicles or individuals, when someone might need a little extra time, patience or accommodations.

“Imagine if you were deaf and you just didn't have the opportunity to understand a command, or you walked away during a traffic infraction and they believed that you were being noncompliant,” said Holly Ross, director of CANOE. Ross explained that getting the community and police together was an ideal way to increase communication and understanding between the two groups.

The Lakewood Police Department recognizes that for children with disabilities and their families, building positive connections with law enforcement can make a big difference. The program “helps us just to make sure that we're doing the right things for the right reasons for people,” said LPD Commander Rob Buchan. “We don't want to upset people or intimidate people or anything like that. So, if we can make sure to take that extra step, we want to do that.”

No personal information is gathered for those who wish to participate, and no signup is required. Community members can learn more at Lkwd.co/BlueEnvelopeProgram or by visiting the Lakewood Police Department in person.

See more from the Splash and Play event, including photos, on the City of Lakewood’s Facebook page here.