Arlington hosts National Night Out

City of Arlington police, firefighters and staff plan to visit local neighborhoods this year as part of National Night Out on Aug. 3.

The annual event is meant to bring neighborhoods together and allow them to meet local police officers.

“We’ve begun the first stages of the planning,” said Sarah Lopez, community engagement director with the city of Arlington. “We would like neighborhoods that hope to have an event to reach out to us."

Lopez said the city can work with neighborhoods to help support their efforts to come out for the day.

Those who want more information can call Lopez at 360-403-3448 or email her at [email protected].

“The city will work to organize visits to their individual parts of the city,” said Lopez.

Typically that includes visits from police officers, firefighters, city department staff and elected officials such as city council members and the mayor.

Lopez said she is hoping neighborhoods will contact the city by July 16 if they want help to organize an event.

The city can provide some logistical support such as a banner to help with the event as well, she said.

National Night Out is a day meant to help residents have a casual space to reach out to government and police officers.

The day is also meant for neighborhoods to get to know each other better as well.

“It’s a day to connect with neighbors and to talk with law enforcement, firefighters, city staff and elected officials,” said Lopez.

When community members know each other it makes the entire neighborhood stronger and more secure, said Lopez.

“It’s important for neighbors to get out and to know each other. That makes the entire community safer, which was the original point of National Night Out,” she said.

Arlington, like many other cities, has used the event to reach out to different neighborhoods in the community.

“It’s a good time for government representatives to get out and talk to residents as well,” said Lopez.

A Haller Park event is still being set up that will likely be open to anybody who does not have a specific neighborhood event as well.

Lopez said that people enjoy getting out and having a summer party as well.

“In the past, some neighborhoods have put on some really great, fun community events,” she said.

“It’s a good reason to have a party,” she said.