Community engagement is taking a refreshing turn in Las Cruces with the Lunchbox Lemonade series, a set of gatherings where police officers and citizens come together amidst the carefree sprays of the city's splash pads. The next event is scheduled for this Thursday at the Unidad Park Splash Pad. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 26, citizens are invited to join members of the Las Cruces Police Department's Community Outreach Team to discuss public safety and build relationships over shared concerns, while children can enjoy the pad's cooling waters.
The initiative aims to foster direct dialogue between law enforcement and community members in a relaxed setting. According to the City of Las Cruces, "The Lunchbox Lemonade event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Unidad Park Splash Pad, 1501 E. Hadley Ave." In efforts to truly engage with the community, participants are encouraged to quickly grab a sack lunch and converse with officers while enjoying complimentary popsicles provided by the LCPD and lemonade courtesy of Raising Cane’s.
The Lunchbox Lemonade gatherings will continue throughout the summer, making stops at various splash pads around the city. The Las Cruces Police Department has shared a schedule of upcoming events, inviting residents to mark their calendars for more opportunities to interact with their local officers. Scheduled locations following the upcoming Unidad Park event include the Plaza De Las Cruces Splash Pad on July 10th and the Metro Verde Splash Pad on July 24th.
