Blue Hills Night Out Builds Safer Neighborhood Ties

On October 11, 2025, the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association hosted a Night Out Against Crime Day Time Edition at Blue Hills Park (53rd and Brooklyn) as part of Community Capital Fund’s Strengthening the Health of Neighborhoods (STRONG) program, funded by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department’s Violence Prevention Fund.

The event drew approximately 140 attendees, including 50 youth and 90 adults. Residents had the opportunity to connect with law enforcement, explore resources from organizations like Swope Health, Mother’s in Charge, Aim for Peace, and the Salvation Army, and participate in activities ranging from bouncy houses and snow cones to demonstrations from the KC Police Department and Fire Department.

The goal of the event was to build relationships among residents, connect neighbors to city services, reduce conflict, and improve overall neighborhood safety. Attendees reported positive experiences, with one resident saying, “I was able to meet a lot of my neighbors who I’d never seen or met before,” and another noting the surprise of “such positive interactions with law enforcement.”

By fostering connections and providing a safe space for families to gather, the Blue Hills Night Out demonstrates how community-led events supported by the STRONG program can prevent violence and strengthen neighborhood ties.

Photos courtesy of the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association.