The first Tuesday in August has become an annual night to party. Coon Rapids Police and Fire made the rounds to approximately 114 block parties participating in Night to Unite this year. The mission was to make connections.
“Obviously we have to deal with people in negative situations, but my favorite part about the job is dealing with people in positive situations,” said Coon Rapids police officer Jordan Girtz. “Getting out and being a partner in the community and a role model in the community is my favorite thing about being a police officer.”
Coon Rapids resident Breanna Barta helped organize a party on her block. She says many of her neighbors are like family, but during the hectic summer months, Night to Unite is a good reason for everyone to slow down and schedule time to reconnect. It also served as a great welcome party for a new family that had just moved it.
“[It’s for] safety, especially because we all have little kids,” said Barta. “So we all like to know when they're walking home from school - that when they're walking down the block - all the neighbors know who they are and where they're going."
Learn more about Night to Unite and how to register a party for next year here.