National Night Out brings neighbors together

Staff

National Night Out brings neighbors together
National Night Out in Sunset Park brought neighbors together for an evening of music, dance, and community celebration on the soccer field.

On Tuesday, August 5, the Sunset Park soccer field hosted a lively gathering of families, neighbors, and local organizations, all coming together to celebrate National Night Out.

With bounce houses, mariachi music, dance performances, and community resource booths, the event was a reminder that safety isn't just about enforcement, it's about connection.

The 72nd Precinct and its Community Council co-hosted the event, joined by elected officials, advocacy groups, and schools. Children ran through inflatable bounce houses provided by the Sunset Park 5th Avenue BID, and one lucky attendee won a free bike courtesy of Mr. C's Cycles. Street Soccer USA led friendly soccer games and activities for youth.

Live entertainment included a performance by Mariachi Talavera and a showcase by the Sunset Park Dancing Group, a local Chinese-American troupe that has practiced near the park playground every morning for nearly 20 years.

Booths set up along the field offered more than giveaways. Representatives from the offices of Assemblyman Lester Chang, Councilmember Alexa Avilés, the United Senior Center, and domestic violence officers from the 72nd Precinct stood alongside advocates from Safe Horizon to share information and connect residents with available support services.

NYPD officers and auxiliary volunteers mingled with residents, introducing themselves.

Edgar Alvarez, Sergeant at Arms for the 72nd Precinct Community Council, emphasized that the event's purpose is to build trust: "This is the night that the community and the police come together. It's not only enforcement, it's about community engagement as well."

Kevin Sun, a volunteer with the Brooklyn Asian Civilian Observation Patrol (BACOP), also spoke about the power of presence. The group, made up of over 50 volunteers including martial artists, doctors, and business owners, has patrolled Sunset Park's Asian commercial corridors every night for 12 years.

"We just want to keep the businesses and the community safe. We try to be a bridge between the Asian community and our precinct," he said.

BACOP members are trained by the NYPD and often patrol overnight shifts from 10 PM to 2 AM. "Right now it feels safe," Sun added. "The community feels safe."

That sense of safety was echoed by Alvarez, who recalled growing up in the 1980s and 90s when crime was rampant. "Now I walk my dogs at three in the morning. I feel totally safe."

Alvarez was pleased by the strong turnout, noting that while the event is sometimes held in Windsor Terrace, Sunset Park gets twice the number of attendees. "Sunset Park loves to party," Alvarez said, laughing.