The Utah County Sheriff’s Office Eagle Mountain division is looking to strengthen its relationship with the community by way of a popular sport.

The public safety organization is inviting residents to join it Saturday morning for pickleball and “community connection” in a new event it is calling “Serve and Protect” at Cory B. Wride Memorial Park, Eagle Mountain officials announced in a news release on the city’s website.

With the rise of pickleball’s popularity given its ease of learning in a fun and friendly environment, the release says the event aims to unite deputies and residents together with barriers down and paddles in hand.

According to the release, “Serve and Protect” will feature a series of pickleball games where residents can partner with or compete against deputies. The park has multiple courts available, meaning games can be tailored to accommodate different skill levels, making the event comfortable to players of all ages and abilities.

The idea was proposed by Deputy Michael Chidester, who said the goal of the event is to nurture stronger relationships between the sheriff’s office and the community it serves.

“A lot of the time when people see us, it’s in stressful or emergency situations,” he said. “This gives us a chance to connect on neutral ground — to just be people, playing a game, having fun. That kind of interaction can really build trust.”

For those who are more interested in the social aspect instead of taking part in the competitive sport, deputies plan to share information about public safety programs and crime prevention tips.

Eagle Mountain Communications Manager Tyler Maffitt said the event is a testament to the city’s valued partnership with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.

“Community safety is a top priority for us, and events like this help build stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents,” Maffitt said. “We’re grateful for the deputies, who have been practicing hard, to go above and beyond for our community.”

If the Saturday event is successful, the division may consider doing it several more times throughout the summer.

“We’d love to turn this into something we can host every couple of weeks,” Chidester said. “It’s a simple thing, but it makes a big impact.”

“Serve and Protect” will take place from 8-10 a.m. at Cory B. Wride Memorial Park.

The sheriff’s office encourages residents to stop by and bring their own paddle. Spectators are welcome, and deputies will be available to answer questions and chat with families throughout the event.