ALBANY, N.Y. -- It was a day of laughter, fun and games as Albany's West Hill community unveiled a new park on Oak Street.
It was an idea three years in the making. Purchased by Victory Church 12 years ago, the Oak Street space was run down. That's when two Albany police officers stepped in.
"As we were walking through the beats and riding our bikes through the beats, we realized that these communities had very, very little," said Albany Police Officer Nicholas Abrams.
And that was when the officers took action and started raising funds.
Combining their efforts, Pastor Charlie Muller, the city and the surrounding community raised over $80,000 for the park.
"I think my great dream came to pass. Community working, church community, and city and government working together," said Muller of Victory Christian Church.
And to the officers, the children's faces say it all.
"I can't even describe their faces. All week long they've been full of smiles, adults coming by, thanking us for the project, the kids themselves thanking us. And just watching how big their eyes are getting when they started to see each piece get erected and when they see it come to completion. It's just been great," said Albany Police Officer Daniel Biette.
The community echoes their sentiment, and want to keep the park a safe haven for the neighborhood.
"You can best believe that I'm going to be on this watch, no one will destroy this park, I'm going to be out here like a security guard," said one Albany resident.
The park serves as a symbol of police and community working together to create a safe place for people of all ages.
"This is what community policing and partnership with the community is all about," said Albany Common Councilman Mark Robinson.
"It gives everyone a chance to meet everyone," Biette said. "Let everyone see everyone's human. Look past the uniform and see us for who we are."