MAYOR'S MESSAGE Party on the Playground Brings Community Together Last Tuesday evening, Sunset School was filled with laughter, smiles, and community spirit during the “Party on the Playground” event hosted for Sunset and Madison families. It was a wonderful opportunity for neighbors, students, parents, and first responders to come together for an evening of fun and connection. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this event such a success. The playground was buzzing with activity as families enjoyed dinner, met new friends, and spent time outdoors together on a beautiful evening in Coos Bay. One of the highlights of the night was the incredible participation from our local public safety agencies. Members of the Coos Bay Police Department, Coos Bay Fire Department, and Coos County Sheriff’s Office took time to attend, interact with families, and share information about the important work they do every day to keep our community safe. School Resource Officer Smith and Officer Deck represented the Coos Bay Police Department and were a huge hit with the kids and families. CBPD also brought a police car and motorcycle, giving children the chance to explore the vehicles up close and ask questions. Opportunities like these help build trust and positive relationships between our officers and the young people in our community. The Coos Bay Fire Department also joined the fun, bringing along one of their fire engines for children and families to tour. Firefighters answered questions, posed for photos, and helped create lasting memories for everyone who attended. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office made the evening even more exciting with their dune and marine officers, who brought a patrol boat for families to see firsthand. Their giveaway whistles quickly became one of the most popular items of the night and were enthusiastically received by the kids. Events like Party on the Playground remind us what makes Coos Bay special — strong partnerships, engaged families, dedicated public servants, and a community that values coming together. Thank you to Sunset School, the organizers, volunteers, and all of our public safety personnel for helping create such a welcoming and memorable evening. I look forward to seeing more opportunities like this continue to strengthen the connections that make our city such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post