By Darrell Kirby | [email protected]

A key to safer communities is getting neighbors to know, interact with, and look out for each other and their surroundings. Law enforcement and community leaders tell you the same thing. 

That’s the purpose of the 2019 National Night Out in West Valley City. It will be held Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Friday, Aug. 23 with dozens of block parties throughout the city on those dates. 

Whether the gatherings are backyard potlucks or meetings in someone’s living room, residents are encouraged to attend to become better acquainted with their neighbors and discuss ways to make their areas safer.

"National Night Out is a 36-year tradition for the residents of West Valley City that brings neighbors together to help them build stronger, more unified neighborhoods," said Craig Thomas, director of West Valley City's Neighborhood Services Office. "Stronger neighborhoods are better prepared to combat negative activities and criminal elements as they work together to find solutions."  

Neighborhoods that have registered with the city to hold NNO block parties may also be visited by representatives of the City Council and the police and fire departments to foster communication and build relationships. 

If 2019 is like previous years, interest in NNO will be high in West Valley City. The city has been recognized by the National Association of Town Watch, parent organization of NNO, for “outstanding participation” every year since 2004.  

To find out where neighborhood parties are being held and other information, contact the West Valley City Neighborhood Services Office at [email protected] or (801) 963-3562.