West Chicago's National Night Out Strengthens Community Partnerships and Celebrates Neighborhood Unity

RELATED LINK: National Night Out's Early Success






		West Chicago's National Night Out provides an opportunity for the community to get to know the faces of the Police Department in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

West Chicago, Illinois: July 14, 2010 – The City of West Chicago marks its 21st year of participation in National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and spend an evening with neighbors, elected officials and police. Music, free food, soft drinks and give-aways will be part of the celebration.

The National Association of Town Watch, supported in part by Target, sponsors the annual crime and drug prevention event that is known across the country as National Night Out. It is designed to: heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

West Chicago's event has received multiple national awards for outstanding participation. Last year after moving to a larger venue, more than 2,300 people attended to celebrate neighborhood unity and to take a stand against crime. "National Night Out is an opportunity to join our neighbors, elected officials and law enforcement entities to promote safety awareness and community partnerships," said Mayor Mike Kwasman. "We recognize the vital importance of National Night Out as an annual special event that provides community-wide benefit throughout the entire year."

Leading up to the main event on August 3rd, the West Chicago Police Department will host a number of additional free and entertaining activities. According to this year's organizer, Sgt. Chris Woodill, "We've added some additional activities to further engage the public and provide more opportunities for kids and their families to get to know some of the faces at the Police Department in a fun and supportive atmosphere."

On Friday, July 30, 2010 at dusk, join West Chicago police for a flashlight walk through Reed-Keppler Park, followed by a movie on baseball field #1. Those wishing to participate should gather at the entrance to Turtle Splash Water Park with flashlights in hand. The walk will conclude at the baseball field, where the movie will be played on a big screen.
On Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., join West Chicago police for "Splish Splash Crime Prevention Bash" pool party at Turtle Splash Water Park in Reed-Keppler Park. Children will have the chance to win a limited number of swim googles at the popular duck races.
On Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Reed-Keppler Park's baseball field #7, watch the fun and competition of a softball game between the West Chicago Police Department and the West Chicago Fire Protection District.
On Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Reed-Keppler Park don't miss the main event, National Night Out. Meet law enforcement officers from the area, see displays and vehicles and enjoy free hot dogs served by the West Chicago Lions Club. Also, meet the students from West Chicago School District #33 who won the 2010 International Future Problem Solving Competition for their railroad safety project. The project will be at a special display table.

The entire schedule of activities (pdf) is free and open to the public, and Mayor Kwasman and the City of West Chicago's Police Department is hoping for another huge turn-out. "We're giving crime and drugs a going away party," said Mayor Kwasman, "and everyone is invited." For more information, call (630) 293-2222.



	West Chicago's Lions Club members enjoy interacting with residents while serving free hotdogs.

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West Chicago is the one of the fastest-growing cities in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org