National Night Out Event Held Tonight at Centennial Park

For the 10^th year in a row, residents will celebrate the city of Waukee’s commitment to a safe, family-oriented community by participating in the National Night Out 2011 event held tonight at Centennial Park from 5 to 9 p.m.

The celebration is part of a nationwide initiative sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) meant to prevent crime and drug use in communities throughout the United States. The first National Night Out event was held in 1984 in 400 communities in 23 states. Today, more than more than 37 million people in 15,110 communities, including Waukee, are expected to participate in the event held on the same date each year.

Waukee Police Lt. Troy Mapes said Waukee’s celebration has grown significantly since the first National Night Out in 2001. What used to be a cluster of citywide block parties, is now one large celebration held at Centennial Park. 

“We had eight block parties in that first year and last year we had over 22 parties,” said Mapes. “This year’s 10^th anniversary celebration looks to offer more than ever in terms of community awareness and activities for the citizens of Waukee.”

During the free event, there will be food and drink, inflatables, giveaways, a flight simulator, a rock-climbing wall and a petting zoo. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, there will be water fights with the Waukee Fire Department, a dunk tank and safety demonstrations from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, as well as a flyover by the United States Air National Guard. Music will be provided by the Waukee Big Band.

All of the events are aimed at drawing attention to the community’s resources in fighting crime. The results of boosting police-community relations, Mapes said, can be hard to measure, but statistics show that as the population of a community grows, so does its crime.

“Like any community that continues to grow, crime can be an issue,” said Mapes. “It’s really important to have our citizens involved in crime prevention and looking out for their neighbors. Our citizens are aware that to keep our city safe, it takes citizen involvement with the police.”

Matt Peskin, executive director of NATW, a non-profit, crime prevention organization that works with crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies, first introduced National Night Out for that very reason in 1984.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie,” he said. “While the one night is certainly not the answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year.”

Mapes said residents attending this year's National Night Out celebration are welcome to bring lawn chairs, side dishes for their block and beverages (alcohol is acceptable. No glass bottles). Parking is available in the Waukee Stadium or Waukee High School parking lots.