College Park Gears Up for Citywide and Neighborhood National Night Out Celebration

Community residents across the country on Tuesday will mingle with neighbors and public safety officials as part of a national crime and drug awareness event.

But it’s especially important that citizens of College Park be proactive in getting to know their neighbors, according to Robert Boone of the Neighborhood Watch Committee, because the city doesn’t have its own police force.

“Our effort this year was to bring everyone together,” Boone said.

Tuesday, residents will be encouraged to socialize with their neighbors over refreshments and various activities. Members from the fire departments, county police and Emergency Medical Technicians will also be on hand to mingle with the community.

“National Night Out is really an event with two purposes,” Major Hector Velez of the Prince George’s County Police Department said. “It’s about getting people together who don’t interact on a daily basis and about taking back the street.”

The city event is part of what Velez said is an “excellent working relationship” that the county police department has with College Park residents and the Mayor and Council.

, and College Park will hold a citywide get-together at the . It's the first time the main celebration will be held at this venue.

In addition to museum exhibits, there will be a medical evacuation helicopter and fire department equipment to explore, and refreshments like ice cream and snow cones.

Those participating are also encouraged to turn on porch lights from dusk until midnight in support of the event.

City of College Park
Where: , 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Features: Free light refreshments, self-guided tours of the museum and visits by police from local agencies. A police helicopter and fire department equipment will be on display. City of College Park elected officials, residents and community leaders will be present.

Berwyn
Where: Park Pavilian
Time: 7 p.m.
Features: A neighborhood walk will be followed by an ice cream social.

Cherry Hill
Where: Cherry Hill Neighborhood Park, 4699 Kiernan Road
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Features: A meet and greet will be followed by desserts and beverages.

College Park Woods
Where: College Park Woods Neighborhood Park
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Features: A meet and greet between community members, law enforcement officers and elected officials will be followed by desserts and beverages.

Lakeland
Where: Lakeland Community Park
Time: 6 p.m.
Features: The meet and greet begins with food and fellowship, then residents will join the citywide event at 7:15 p.m. At about 8:45 p.m. there will be a walk of the Lakeland community with flashlights to Adams Park for mingling and swimming.