Pop-Up Party Deterred By Westfield Police Last Week

WESTFIELD, NJ — According to a recent update from Mayor Shelley Brindle, Westfield Police prevented a pop-up gathering from materializing in Mindowaskin Park last Friday.

Plans for the "Big Group Gathering" were circulating on Snapchat last week, and police warned the community that they would be present in the park to deter any such gathering from happening.

Read more: Westfield Police Brace For 'Big Group Gathering' At Mindowaskin Park

Brindle wrote in her weekly update that an event like this is not merely groups of local kids getting together in town, but rather mass gatherings — promoted through social media — that draw large numbers of youths and young adults from many towns. She said the events also often result in property damage, unrest and arrests.

Some recent examples of these pop-up parties include Long Branch, Point Pleasant Beach and, just this past week, Wayne.

Police detained 47 people at Wayne's pop-up party last Saturday.

Read more: 47 Detained At Wayne 'Pop-Up' Party, All Will Get Charged: PD

A pop-up pool party was also recently planned for Roselle in Union County last week, but was prevented by police.

Brindle said pop-up parties are becoming an increasingly large problem throughout the state, and Westfield Police officers "will remain diligent about assessing any such gatherings planned within Westfield."

Brindle advised residents who hear about any such planned activity to report it to the police immediately.

The Police Department also conducted another round of High Visibility Enforcement this past week — mostly focused on areas around the schools during drop off and dismissal to improve pedestrian safety for students.

"High Visibility Enforcement combines enforcement, visibility elements, and a publicity strategy to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance with the law," Brindle wrote. "These enhanced measures serve as a reminder to all residents to obey traffic laws and protect our pedestrians."

With schools out for the summer, the mayor reminded residents to be extra vigilant about pedestrians and cyclists on the roads.