On Tuesday, August 6, neighborhoods across the greater Grand Rapids Area will come alive with family-friendly festivities as the city celebrates National Night Out. This annual event, designed to foster community spirit and raise awareness of crime prevention efforts, will see Police and Fire Departments, along with city leaders, visiting numerous neighborhood gatherings throughout the evening. Residents are encouraged to illuminate their porches, lawns, and sidewalks with outside lights and step outdoors to connect with neighbors and join in the organized activities.
Kentwood
Kentwood police officers, firefighters, and city leaders will join residents at various gatherings throughout the city on National Night Out. Most events will take place from 4-9 p.m., offering residents opportunities to explore police cruisers, fire engines, and other emergency response vehicles while learning about important safety topics.
“National Night Out is just another way the Kentwood Police and Fire departments, along with city leaders, build and foster relationships with our residents,” Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “We always look forward to this event and spending time connecting with the residents we serve. It’s a great opportunity to make meaningful connections in a relaxed, casual setting.”
Multiple community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening, featuring a variety of free activities, including food, games, and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. Key locations include Bretwood Centre (4470 Breton Road SE) from 6-8 p.m., where community members can enjoy activities, music, and a visit from the Aero Med team, and Pentecostals Church (2627 44th St. SE) from 6-8 p.m., with appearances by members of the Kentwood Police and Fire departments and McGruff the Crime Dog.
National Night Out, initiated in the 1980s, promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie through events organized by law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations, and volunteers across the country.
“We look forward to spending an evening out in our city celebrating the community effort that makes Kentwood a place to call home.”
Grand Rapids
“National Night Out is a time when neighbors can get together, meet their police officers, firefighters, and City leadership face-to-face, and learn more about how we can all work together for safer communities,” said Julie Niemchick, GRPD crime prevention coordinator.
It showcases the contributions of City departments and community-based partners in ensuring community safety, strengthens positive relationships between the community and the police, and demonstrates neighborhood unity in combating crime and creating a safe environment for all.
The Parks and Recreation Department will enhance the celebration by offering free admission to all three City pools on August 6. Residents can enjoy free pool swims at Briggs Park (324 Knapp St. SE) from noon to 5 p.m., Martin Luther King Park (1200 MLK Jr. St. SE) from 5 to 8 p.m., and Richmond Park (963 Richmond St. NW) from 5 to 8 p.m.
A variety of events are scheduled for the evening, providing numerous opportunities for residents to engage and celebrate. The list of NNO events, current as of July 29, includes:
The Baxter Neighborhood Association will host an event at Joe Taylor Park (1011 Baxter SE) featuring live entertainment, information booths, youth games, a food truck, ice cream, and a free light bulb giveaway from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The Dream Center (1026 Lafayette Ave SE) will offer activities for youth from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Creston Neighborhood Association will hold activities at Briggs Park (324 Knapp NE) including arts and crafts, resource tables, hot dogs, chips, and water from 4 to 7 p.m.
Fuller Area Neighbors and River City Scholars will gather at Fuller Ave Church Parking Lot (1239 Fuller SE) with hot dogs, baked beans, chips, fruit, and ice cream, supported by community partners Hall Street Bakery, River City Scholars, and Urban League from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Creston Plaza Apartments (1080 Creston Plaza Dr. NE) will feature resource tables, back-to-school book bags, other school supplies, hot dogs, chips, and water from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Heritage Hill Association will meet at Pleasant Park (400 Pleasant St. SE) with children’s games, frozen treats, and a neighborhood picnic from 6 to 8 p.m.
John Ball Area Neighbors (JBAN) will host a dog contest for the most talented and funniest dressed dogs at Lincoln Park (Park Lodge Bldg., 1120 Bridge NW). Non-profit vendors, ice cream, and popsicles will also be available from 6 to 8 p.m.
Ottawa Hills Christian Elementary will provide kids’ activities and ice cream at their playground area (1050 Iroquois SE GR) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ransom Tower Apartments (50 Ransom NE) will offer food, music, giveaways, resources, hot dogs, chips, and water from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
The Roosevelt Park Neighborhood will hold an event at Roberto Clemente Park (546 Rumsey SW) featuring field games, kids’ activities, a photo booth, DJ with music, petting zoo, resource tables, a food truck, and ice cream from 6 to 8 p.m.
The West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO) will host activities at Richmond Park (963 Richmond St NW) including resource tables and yard games from 6 to 8 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on events, residents are encouraged to check with the sponsoring organizations.
Join Grand Rapids in celebrating National Night Out—a night dedicated to building a stronger, safer community through togetherness and shared commitment.
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