Forest Park honors state-qualifying youth soccer teams; city announces Santa fire-truck visit and holiday giveaways

The Forest Park City Council used part of its Dec. 15 meeting to recognize two youth soccer teams — the girls’ "passers" and the boys’ "strikers" — that qualified for state tournament play, and to announce upcoming holiday community events.

Mr. J. Dennis, who introduced the presentations, recounted the teams’ recent records: the girls repeated as regular-season champions and advanced in state play after a strong season; the boys improved from a winless first season to multiple top finishes and also qualified for the state tournament. "Their journey was nothing short of remarkable this year," Mr. J. Dennis said as trophies and ribbons were presented to players and coaches.

Council members thanked coaches, parents and volunteers for supporting youth athletics and noted the local soccer programs provide pipelines to higher levels of play in the Greater Cincinnati region.

City Manager Don Jones reported on a police-hosted "Shop with a Canine Cop" event coordinated with the Havercamp Foundation and area K-9 handlers. Jones said the foundation donated $250 per child and a $500 family gift card for 10 families (a total reported in the meeting of about $7,500) and has assisted local departments by supplying K-9s.

Mr. J. Dennis also announced a community holiday appearance: "Santa is coming to town in a fire truck" on Saturday, Dec. 20, starting around 10 a.m. The city said the route will be posted on the city's Facebook page and website and that police-led support vehicles will visit neighborhoods and apartment complexes to pass out candy canes; residents were invited to wave and take pictures.

The presentations and announcements preceded the council's business agenda; the city encouraged residents to consult city channels for updated event timing and route details.