(Little Rock – July 28, 2005) -- On Tuesday, August 2nd, citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the “22nd Annual National Night Out” (NNO). Nationally, over 34 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

In Little Rock, there are at least eighteen sites working with City staff. “Most years there are neighborhoods that plan their own activities without partnering with the City – so we expect that there will be even more sites throughout Little Rock on August 2nd,” said Andre Bernard, Director of Housing and Neighborhood programs for the City of Little Rock.

According to the National Association of Town Watch, which coordinates national efforts, National Night Out is designed to: 
* Heighten crime, drug and violence prevention awareness; 
* Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; 
* Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; 
* Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

In Little Rock, these goals will be accomplished in a wide variety of ways. Though food (catfish and hot dogs seem to be the most popular offerings), games (organized sports or carnival-style arcade activities), and information (crime prevention, health screenings, city program offerings) are staples at each site, every location puts its own unique twist on it.

Most sites also have visits from Little Rock Police and Fire personnel. This year, with the assistance of Central Arkansas Water and the Little Rock Fire Department, residents are being offered the chance to “Cool Off at Night Out.” From 6:20-6:40 and 7:20-7:40, five locations will have fire hydrants turned on for kids of all ages to play in the spray of water. (see list below)

“Traveling around to the various locations throughout the City is a great way to experience the rich diversity that Little Rock has to offer,” says City Manager Bruce Moore. “It is enriching to see people of all ages, races, and professional backgrounds meeting together as neighbors. It is great to see the citizens working with City staff to celebrate neighborhoods and community-building.”

“Many of these sites celebrate National Night Out as a combination of a block party, annual business meeting, and a chance to see people you haven’t seen in a while,” said Bernard. The sense of community celebrated by National Night Out lasts throughout the year. “That is one of the purposes of the effort. Once you’ve met your neighbors and shared a meal and a laugh with them, you are more likely to call on them when you have a need or to offer help to them,” noted Bernard.

There is another way that the feeling continues throughout the year. “Several of them will start planning for 2006 on Wednesday morning,” Bernard said with a smile.

-30- 

Little Rock Celebrates National Night Out
Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Times are 6:00pm to 8:00pm unless otherwise noted. 
 
Campus Place Association
Kiwanis Park (Foster and 42nd Street)
Various games such as basketball, dancing, horseshoes, volley ball, food and refreshments

Capitol View/Stiff Station
Grounds of the Arkansas School for the Blind
Live entertainment for the whole family; free food and refreshments, informational booths pertaining to safety and health and children’s activities and games, including the Fire Safety House that teaches children what to do in case of a fire in their home. Prizes will be given.
Information: 663-9451

Central High School National Historic Site
2125 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr
Food, games, face painting, music, neighbors meeting neighbors & tours of the Museum. Participants include Central High School National Historic Site -- National Parks Service, LR Fire Department, Stamp Out Smoking (S.O.S.), LR Police Department, Arkansas Children Hospital, MEMS, Power 92, and the City of Little Rock
Information: 376-7610

Downtown Neighborhood Association
Arch Street Alert Center (2200 S. Arch St.)
Take Back Our Streets -- Citizens and Police Work Together to Make Our Town Safer; Ice Cream, Cold Drinks
Information: 372-1555 or 375-6987

East LR Neighborhood Association
East End Park on the grounds of the Nathaniel Hill complex (2500 E 6th St)
Food, door prizes and games. Displays from MEMS, the Little Rock Fire Department and LR Police Department Community Oriented Police Program.
Information: 374-4166

East of Broadway Alert Center
Pettaway Park (507 East 21 Street)
Focus on residents working throughout the year in order to make a positive difference within the community.
Information: 376-3406

Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center
3805 W 12th Street
Food, games, free ride for kids, Morgan Nick Photo IDs, face painting, speakers, information booths, music, and fun.
Information: 379-1512

John Barrow Neighborhood Association
West End Park (Walker and 36th Street)
Various games such as basketball, dancing, horseshoes, volley ball, food and refreshments. Baseball season awards will also be handed out.

Mann Road Alert Center
9209 Mann Road
Health screenings available.; Serve Hot dogs, drinks, chips and dessert. Door prizes and gift bags.
Information: 565-1499

Oak Forest Alert Center
2106 Tyler Street
Good Times with Less Crime
Food, Games, Door Prizes, Music and many other enjoyable things to do.
Information: 666-0916

Oak Forest Movers and Shakers Crime Watch
Curran-Conway Park
7th annual Catfish fry

65th St. Alert Center
5323 West 65th
Food, Fun and much more!
Information: 565-7119

South End Alert Center
110 West 33rd
Refreshments will be served and there will be activities for kids: basketball, board games, door prizes will be awarded also. LRPD SWAT and live music will be there. Speakers will discuss home and automobile security.
Information: 370-9537

Twin Lakes B Homeowners Association
Corner of Labette Dr & Labette Manor
Food, fun, games, and prizes will all be offered.

Upper Baseline Alert Center
Baseline Elementary School (3623 Baseline)
A back to school drive using the Challenge Grant funds to buy school supplies and door prizes. Also have games and the fire truck and police.
Information: 565-4669

Valley Drive Alert Center
5621 Valley Drive (Side street of Valley Dr & Republic Ln will be blocked off)
A Gospel rap group is scheduled to perform. Hot dogs, chips and punch to be served; blood pressure checks will be available.
Information: 562-0042
5:30 -8:30 p.m.

Westwood Association
Western Hills United Methodist Church (4600 Block of Western Hills Blvd)
Various games such as basketball, dancing, horseshoes, volley ball, food and refreshments

Wright Avenue Alert Center
1813 Wright Ave.
Will also be a Crime Watch meeting, using this opportunity to get even more people involved with Neighborhood Crime Watch. Food and giveaways
Information: 374-4552
6pm until ??


COOL OFF AT NIGHT OUT
This year, with the assistance of Central Arkansas Water and the LR Fire Department, Little Rock residents at five locations throughout the city are being offered the chance to Cool Off at Night Out. From 6:20 – 6:40 and 7:20 – 7:40, fire hydrants will be opened up to spray water.

The locations are:
• Arch Street Alert Center
• Curran Conway Field
• Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center
• Pettaway Park
• West End Park