The Waukee National Night Out Planning Committee, City of Waukee, and Dallas County Sheriff's Office would like to invite residents to bring their families to Centennial Park on August 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to celebrate our efforts in keeping Waukee a safe, family-oriented community. (See invitation) The City of Waukee has participated in National Night Out, a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), for the last 11 years with various block parties hosted by residents.

The committee plans to kick-off the 11th year of National Night out with an Opening Ceremony that will feature the Waukee Big Band plyaing our National Anthem and words from Waukee Mayor, Bill Peard. There will be activties for all ages including:

• Petting Zoo
• Inflatable Rides
• Rock Climbing Wall by US Army
• K-9 Demonstration by the Dallas County Sheriff's Office
• Art and Crafts Activities by the YMCA
• Game Truck
• Water Fights provided by the Waukee Fire Department
• And more! 

 Many community organizations will be in attendance, including the Waukee Family YMCA, Waukee Fire Department, Waukee Police Department. In addition, City and County officials and staff will be present to meet residents and discuss neighborhood issues or concerns.

How to get involved?

Interested in registering your block party? Please contact Lt. Troy Mapes with the Waukee Police Department at (515) 987-1073 or email at tmapes@waukee.org. Block party captains can register their groups to give the National Night Out Planning Committee a better idea of attendance.

What should I bring to the celebration?

The Dallas County Sheriff's office will be grilling hamburgers and hotdogs to share (while quantities last) and coke beverages will be available. Participants can bring their own beverages (alcohol acceptable, no glass please), side dishes, and deserts.

Picnic tables will be available at Centennial Park but will fill up fast. The Planning Committee encourages participants to bring lawn chairs to the event.

Where is the designated parking for the event?

Participants are encouraged to use the Waukee Football Stadium lot or the Waukee High School lot. The Planning Committee encourages participants to first utilize the parking lots to keep Park Road and surrounding streets clear of congestion.

What is National Night Out?

The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a nonprofit, crime prevention organization which works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Since 1981, NATW has been dedicated to the development, growth and maintenance of organized crime and drug prevention programs nationwide. NATW's network has grown to include over 6,500 crime, drug and violence prevention organizations.National Night Out, 'America's Night Out Against Crime,' was introduced by the Association in 1984. The program was the brainchild of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin. 

                                                                                              
In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, Peskin felt that a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally. At that time, he noted that in a typical ‘crime watch community', only 5 to 7% of the residents were participating actively. Due to the growth and success of these programs, he felt this percentage was too low. Subsequently, he proposed a national program which would be coordinated by local crime prevention agencies and organizations - but that would involve entire communities at one time. The first National Night Out was introduced early in 1984 - with the event culminating on the first Tuesday in August.

That first year, 400 communities in 23 states participated in National Night Out. Nationwide, 2.5 million Americans took part in 1984. The seed had been planted. In subsequent years, participation has grown steadily. The 27th Annual National Night Out last August involved 37.0 million people in 15,110 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2011 will culminate on August 2nd. Over 15,500 communities are expected to take part. (Texas will celebrate on October 4th.)

While the traditional 'lights on' and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years to include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, contests, rallies and meetings.

Peskin said, "It's a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an 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. It [NNO] is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes - and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days."

["What is National Night Out?" information provided by the National Association of Town Watch website]