Emily Peter has organized the National Night Out event for Naperville’s Winding Creek Estates subdivision for the last two years, and has learned to expect a crowd.
She wasn’t disappointed Tuesday night, and that’s a good thing, Peter said.
“We’re in a transitional neighborhood where a lot of people have moved out and new families are coming in, and this is a great chance to get to meet people,” she said.
National Night Out events were organized in 35 Naperville neighborhoods in conjunction with the Naperville Police Department. It’s a way for residents to meet police officers in person, strengthen the bond between the community and the police department, encourage anti-crime measures and get residents talking to each other.
New resident Lindsay Swanson, who grew up in Naperville but only moved back four weeks ago, said she appreciated the opportunity. In Winding Creek, there was an ice cream social and a bouncy house for the kids, among other activities.
“It’s good to meet people around you before everyone hibernates for the winter,” Swanson said. “I think this is a fantastic idea (and) getting to know others better is a great thing as well as the police, fire and EMT departments, which I think are wonderful.”
National Night Out was established in 1984, and has been held in Naperville for 21 years. Depending on the neighborhood, there were cookouts, block parties and other events held simultaneously all over the city Monday.
This year, the annual one-day event was expanded to three, with a “kick-off” gathering at Centennial Beach Monday night and an emergency vehicle show downtown at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Julie Smith, crime prevention specialist for the Naperville Police Department, said she has coordinated Night Out for three years and “it has continued to expand, both in participation and programming efforts.”
Naperville Sgt. Steve Schindlbeck said he believes the most important aspect of the events is communication.
“This provides one of the best opportunities to interact with people and give them the opportunity to speak to us and let us know what’s on their mind,” Schindlbeck said. “Beyond turning on lights and locking doors, we encourage residents to keep an eye out as they continue to be our best resource.”
Carolyn Sharkey, who lives in the subdivision, said she came “to let her kids play” and that while she had not met anyone new yet Tuesday night, her daughter already had.
“We got here and my daughter saw some kids and said, ‘I’m going to go play,'” she said. “For adults, I (like the idea of neighbors) meeting and getting to know one another and the police build trust.”
Emergency 911 dispatcher Jason Murr said he dropped by the Naper Carriage Hill event first before heading over to Winding Creek Estates.
“I think over the 16 years I’ve worked on the force, support for these events has grown and I believe there is a good relationship here with residents and the police and fire departments,” Murr said.
Given the recent murder of police officers and the number of police shootings around the country, Schindlbeck said he believed the feeling among local officers is that Naperville residents have their backs.
“I would argue that support for the police department here in Naperville has never been stronger,” he said. “I believe there is a very good relationship with the police.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
