Waukegan, Illinois (August 7, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Police Department are partnering to host the 2024 Touch a Truck and Waukegan Night Out on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm at the Waukegan Municipal Beach, located at 201 E. Seahorse Drive. Attendees of all ages will have the opportunity to see, touch, and explore trucks, police vehicles, machines, and more.

The Waukegan Police Department will be celebrating National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Police officers will be engaging with children and their families through hands-on activities and exhibitions, including a live K-9 demonstration.

Following the event, the Waukegan Park District will host a free movie at the Stiner Pavilion. The movie will be family-friendly, and free popcorn will be available while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks, blankets, chairs, picnic gear, and insect repellent.

Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is proud to partner with the Waukegan Police Department to co-host Touch a Truck and Waukegan Night Out. It is such an exciting event where children and their families can have fun, learn, and build community. Events like these showcase the positive outcomes of intergovernmental partnerships.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District appreciates the ongoing partnership with the Waukegan Police Department. Touch a Truck and Waukegan Night Out is more than a fun evening at the Waukegan Municipal Beach; it is an educational and enriching experience where children learn and discover with their family.”

Chief Edgar Navarro of the Waukegan Police Department stated, “The partnership between the Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Police Department to co-host Touch a Truck and Waukegan Night Out gives police officers an invaluable opportunity to engage with the community in a positive and meaningful way. I look forward to seeing the connections being made with children and their families at this annual event.”

Preregistration is not required to attend this free, family-friendly event. More information is available at waukeganparks.org/touchatruck.