Melrose Police Plan National Night Out Event

MELROSE, MA — National Night Out programming will return to Melrose on Tuesday, Aug. 2 as local police plan another year of National Night Out festivities.

The event is set to take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pine Banks Park in Melrose. It aims to strengthen relationships between police and communities they serve.

Attendees on Tuesday will be able to enjoy an array of attractions, including face painting, slushies and a “touch a truck” event showcasing town police, fire and utility equipment.

This is just one of several similar National Night Out events planned across the region and the country for Tuesday. An annual initiative, communities largely hold their events on the first Tuesday in August.

The events date back to 1984, when the then recently established National Association of Town Watch launched the first Night Out campaign in 400 communities across 23 states, as noted on the association's website.

This year, programming will span 16,000 communities in all 50 U.S. states.

“Melrose is excited to join the hundreds of other cities and towns across the United States that are participating in similar National Night Out events,” Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur said in a statement last week.

“One of the best ways to build a safer community is to know your neighbors, your surroundings and your public safety workers,” he added.

Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle separately thanked National Night Out sponsors and partners in a press release inviting community members to the Night Out event.

“I also want to encourage everyone to stop by and say hello,” Lyle continued. “We enjoy getting to know new residents and connecting with familiar faces at what is sure to be a great event for all ages.”