Forest Preserve Hosts National Night Out At Monee Reservoir

Members of the public are invited to interact with local law enforcement in a positive and fun environment during National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Monee Reservoir and feature local police departments, music, games, activities and giveaways.

"This is the fourth year that the Forest Preserve Police will be hosting, along with Monee and Crete police departments, at our Monee Reservoir," said Forest Preserve Deputy Chief David Barrios Jr. "The Forest Preserve police will be providing child ID cards again and handing out safety wristbands, stickers and whistles. There will also be music playing along with games and activities."

Monee police are scheduled to bring their police dog and Crete police will bring their therapy dog.

"We will have the usual hot dogs, popcorn and sno-cone machines along with a bounce house," Barrios said. "We will have the Coast Guard Auxiliary out again and hope to have the Chicago Police helicopter make a few passes over the crowd like last year. We also get drop-in groups like Amazon and local businesses to provide information and giveaways for the public."

Attendees also will be able to see emergency vehicles up close and enjoy some delicious snacks.National Night Out, which was established in 1984 and now involves millions of people across thousands of communities, is designed to enhance relationships between residents and law enforcement to foster a sense of community.

"What is special about our National Night Out is the beautiful location," Barrios said. "Monee Reservoir has a 46-acre lake and during the event staff will be providing a 'try it' free kayaking and instruction. National Night Out is a great way to have the community interact with their local police officers in a positive and fun environment and promote police-community partnerships."