The City of Trenton’s successfully held its 40th National Night Out event at Cadwalader Park and satellite locations in each of the four wards. National Night Out is a collaboration between the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture, the Trenton Police Department and part of a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora remarked, “National Night Out is one of my favorite days of the year: It’s a critical way that the City of Trenton helps to support community building. I really enjoyed the incredible food, music, and opportunity to speak with so many Trentonians. I’d like to thank Director Maria Richardson and Director Steve Wilson for their work in making this year’s so memorable.”
This year’s program featured amusement activities, bounce houses and water slides, facepainting, hot dogs, hamburgers, and music by DJ Swell and the talented Grace Little. Participants and collaborating groups included the Trenton Police Department, Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture, Department of Health and Human Services, Trenton Fire Department, Trenton Office of Emergency Services, Mercer County Sheriff Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Department of Corrections, New Jersey Department of Parole, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the Center for Family Services, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium, Mercer Council on Addiction, WomenSpace, Brain Alliance Institute, Capital Health, Volunteers of America, William Trent House, Moms Demand Action, Be Smart, Boys and Girls Club, and a myriad of other community organizations.
Per Maria Richardson, Director of the Dept. of Recreation, Natural Resources, and Culture, “I really enjoy organizing National Night Out each year. While our summer programming operates around the clock for youth in the Capital City, this yearly event is yet another way that this Administration is helping to create positive outlets for kids. I would like to thank all of our partners for helping to make this year’s event such a success.”
Council President Teska Frisby shared, “I am proud of our investments in youth and the pride that we are bringing back to Trenton: At National Night Out, the positivity was electric and the community building that occurred is so important to healing our city. It was so great to see thousands of Trentonians at Cadwalader Park enjoying the summer together.”
Positivity is required for progress, and events like these remind us of exactly what it is that makes this community so special. When we set aside our differences and come together regardless of background, that is where true magic is found. No doubt a memorable night for residents all throughout Trenton, National Night Out is exactly the kind of summertime fun that this community needed.
