Gurnee Park District to host Cops & Bobbers event

Gurnee Park District will host its free Cops & Bobbers event on July 22 at Hunt Club Park.

Gurnee Park District will host its free Cops & Bobbers event on July 22 at Hunt Club Park. “Cops & Bobbers is a great chance for the community and youth to connect with the police outside of our normal police duties,” Gurnee Police Officer Patrick Murray said in a news release. Along with that, Rachel Laren, Gurnee Park District’s special events and rentals supervisor, said it is vital to get kids outside during the summer.

“It’s so easy to just sit and pass the time scrolling, but it’s so important to be able to get outside,” Laren said in the release. “Fresh air helps their mind, body, and spirit, and at the same time they’re learning something new.” This is the fourth year of Gurnee Park District and the Gurnee Police Department’s collaboration on the event.

Murray said he holds the park district “near and dear” to his heart. “The Park District provides valuable programs that give kids and families fun and positive things to do,” he said. “When kids are busy playing and learning, it has positive effects on them, the community, and ultimately makes our jobs as police officers easier.”

Because the event has been popular in past years, Cops and Bobbers will be offered in two sessions, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and will include free ice cream while supplies last, courtesy of event sponsor Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. In addition, games, a raffle, and prizes for the biggest, smallest and most fish caught will be available. For Murray, the most meaningful part of the event is seeing kids “get excited about fishing.”

In his first year of Cops & Bobbers, there was a young boy who did not win a prize but was enthusiastic about learning how to fish. He did not have any of his own fishing gear, so the police department made a beginner tackle box and delivered it to his home. “The look on his face when we delivered it was priceless,” Murray said.

To Murray, Cops & Bobbers is more than just ice cream, raffles, and lighthearted competition. It is about introducing his favorite traditions to a new generation. “Fishing was something that I loved growing up and still to this day,” he said.

“Getting to share that passion and hopefully pass it on to others is one of my favorite things I have done in my 22 years as a police officer.” While this is a free event for Gurnee residents, registration is required for all participants aged 5 to 15. Register online to save time.

A limited number of fishing poles will be available, and bait is on the park district. Make sure to check Rainout Line for inclement weather updates.