City of Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on July 28.
On Tuesday, Aug. 3, Grand Rapids residents will join millions of citizens, elected officials, city leadership, and law enforcement agencies across the country in supporting this year’s National Night Out. Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), the City of Grand Rapids, and the many neighborhood associations and block clubs in the city, the goals are to:
- Encourage neighbors to spend time together in fun and positive ways
- Overcome isolation by building community
- Heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention programs
- Build support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts
- Encourage positive community and police relationships
- Show neighborhood unity in fighting crime and creating safe communities for all
During National Night Out, residents are invited to turn on their outside lights and spend the evening outdoors on porches, lawns, streets or in parks with their neighbors. Many neighborhoods throughout the city are hosting family-friendly events. GRPD and City representatives will visit the events throughout the evening.
Julie Niemchick, GRPD crime prevention coordinator, says that when residents and police work together in their neighborhoods, good things happen. “National Night Out is a time when residents can reclaim their streets in a fun and positive way,” Niemchick said. “Some neighborhoods have chosen to make this night particularly significant as they coordinate a variety of family friendly activities to get everyone involved.” Attached is a list of events in neighborhoods around Grand Rapids.
In addition to the neighborhood events, the City will offer free admission to all three of its pools, all day long. The Parks and Recreation Department will host free swim hours at:
Briggs Park pool (350 Knapp St. NE):
- 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
- 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
- 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
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