DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Decatur police will bring dozens of officers to Dansby Park Tuesday night for National Night Out, an annual community event designed to build connections between law enforcement and residents.
It runs 5-8 p.m. at Dansby Park, formerly Oak Grove Park.
DPD Deputy Chief Erik Ethell said the department expects 25 to 30 officers at the event.
"It's a very relaxed environment," Ethell said. "You're just there to meet your police officers, ask any questions, share any concerns you may have. Unfortunately, due to the nature of our job, we don't always get to have these positive interactions with the community. This just kind of breaks down those barriers."
Activities planned for the park include a DJ, Touch a Truck, sack races, a foam party and food. Ethell said tug-of-war will be added to the lineup for the first time this year.
Leanne Bond, Decatur's National Night Out chair, said the event serves a broader purpose for the community.
"National Night Out not only helps strengthen our community bonds with the police, but it helps heal our community in helping to see our police in a different light," Bond said.
There will be a free trolley service to help people get there, with pick-up spots at the Decatur Civic Center, Hess Park, Torrence Park, Garfield Park and the MacArthur lower parking lot.
Other communities across central Illinois are also holding National Night Out gatherings Tuesday evening.
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.Â
