National Night Out Brings Police, Community Together At Forest Preserve’s Monee Reservoir

MONEE, IL — The sixth annual National Night Out event at the Forest Preserve District's Monee Reservoir is set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The Monee Reservoir celebration is part of a national effort to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement. This year, Monee, Crete and University Park police departments as well as Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police will join Forest Preserve police for the event.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year because I love seeing the community come out and interact with all the officers in a positive environment,” said David Barrios Jr., the Forest Preserve District’s deputy police chief. “It’s fun watching the kids get their ID pictures taken, jumping in the bounce house and climbing in and out of all our police vehicles. It also gives us a chance to have good discussions about crime prevention and safety.”

Operation BBQ Relief, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides comfort to those in need by connecting, inspiring, serving and educating communities, will once again provide food.

“The Will County Emergency Management Agency will be joining us this year and they plan on bringing their command van, which is a 46-foot mobile emergency command and communications vehicle which serves as an on-site command post for major emergencies, disaster sites and large-scale public events,” Barrios said.

Additional local agencies, businesses and vendors will be on site to support the event’s community-building message.

Visitors can see emergency vehicles up close, participate in activities and enjoy snacks. Free kayak rentals will be available, with paddling supervised by Forest Preserve staff.