By Kelly White
The Village of Palos Park has taken the traditional National Night Out and turned it into a week of fun-filled events.
Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters and Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk joined forces to create “National Night Out Week” — a week of events geared to heighten crime prevention, safety awareness, neighbors helping neighbors and participation community wide support in all thing’s public safety in Palos Park.
“’National Night Out Week’ is great for our entire community,” Dan Nessis, Palos Park Police Officer, said.
The Palos Park Police Department and Village held various events over the course of Palos Park’s National Night Out Week.
On August 3, residents were invited out to Trail Head Park, located at 8600 Cal Sag Trail, to kick off National Night Out Week. The free event featured a community ride with Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters.
It was a hot day with nearly 90-degree temps but the event brought out several area residents of all ages.
“It was really a gorgeous ride with beautiful trees and greenery surrounding you the entire time,” Milovich-Walters said. “It was quiet, peaceful and everyone along the trail is just so friendly with everyone constantly looking out for one another.”
Prior to the bike ride, Palos Park officers were handing our helmets and bike safety goodies to everyone.
“This is a good way to give back to the community and to make sure everyone is safe by handing out free bike helmets,” Jesse Cruz, Palos Park Police Officer, said.
The fun continued on August 6, when the department hosted Lunch with the Police Chief at Cog Hill Country Club in Lemont.
On Tuesday evening, the neighborhood and police comradery continued with a Pollice/Community partnership in crime prevention and awareness seminar at 8999 W. 123rd Street.
Coffee with a Cop was held as part of the weeklong events on August 7 at Plush Horse and on August 8, the Palos Park Police Department hosted a Community Preparedness and Awareness program with its CERT partners.
