How do you spread safety and goodwill throughout the city? By firing up the grill, of course.

The St. Paul police and their grills are returning to city neighborhoods this summer with the department's Safe Summer Nights program. Burgers, brats and a lot of socializing will be served up each Thursday -- June through August -- in different parts of the city.

It is the second year the department will host the barbecues, which are free and open to the public. The Safe Summer Nights program is designed to provide opportunities for police officers to become acquainted with residents of the neighborhoods they serve over a meal rather than during times of trouble.

St. Paul police officers will bring horse and motorcycle units to the summer cookouts as well as handouts for kids. Food for the events is donated by local businesses, including Superb Meats, a food wholesaler based on W. 7th Street.

The cookouts run from 5 to 7 p.m. No registration is necessary to attend, and everyone is welcome.

Here is the schedule:

Thursday, June 4

Wilder Recreation Center

958 Jessie St.

Thursday, June 11

Hamline Park

1564 Lafond Ave.

Thursday, June 18

Rice Park

109 W. 4th St.

Thursday, June 25

Groveland Recreation Center

2021 St. Clair Ave.

Thursday, July 2

Weida Park

637 Burr St. N.

Thursday, July 9

Douglas Park

328 W. Stevens St.

Thursday, July 16

Carty Park

705 Iglehart Ave.

Thursday, July 23

Arlington Hills Recreation Center

1200 Payne Ave.

Thursday, July 30

McDonough Recreation Center

1544 Timberlake Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 6

West Minnehaha Recreation Center

685 W. Minnehaha Ave.

Thursday, Aug. 13

Margaret Park

1109 Margaret St.

Thursday, Aug. 20

Conway Recreation Center

2090 Conway Ave.

Thursday, Aug. 27

Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center

800 Conway St.