Mundelein’s National Night Out celebrates relationship between police and the community; ‘It is inspiring to see families returning annually’

National Night Out Tuesday in Mundelein featured a variety of activities aimed at building a better relationship between the police department and the community.

The event put on by the Mundelein police and Park & Recreation District was held at Mundelein Community Park.

The event’s offerings included free swimming at the Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center, tie-dye shirt-making, a K-9 police dog demonstration, face-painting, bounce houses and a screening of “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

Free swim at Barefoot Bay in Mundelein at National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

The film was shown on a large inflatable screen, and some families noshed on supper fare and picnic snacks while waiting for the movie to start. Kids were seen rolling down the large sled hill, and running across wide stretches of grass. Food trucks lined one side, with touch-a-truck opportunities.

“The Mundelein police department recognizes the value of connecting with our community, so we look forward to the National Night Out event every year,” said Jessica Sexton, school resource officer with the department.

“This event affords us additional avenues to meet, learn from and understand our community members in a genuine and fun way,” she said. “Every year, we see families return, kids growing older and get the opportunity to meet new residents.

“As important as it is for our officers to know our community, it is equally important for our community to recognize and know its officers,” Sexton continued. “Mundelein officers don’t just protect our community, we are a part of it, and continuing to foster that relationship is one of the most enriching characteristics of our village and our partnership with the National Night Out event.”

Center, in pink shirt, Natalie Duran, 6, a rising first grader from Mundelein, prepares to tie-dye a shirt at National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Mundelein Interim Police Chief Jason Seeley said, “I am so thankful to have been a part of this community, and our National Night Out celebration for the past 24 years. Each year, the event grows in popularity and proves to be more impressive and successful than the previous.

“It is inspiring to see families returning annually, even some now as grandparents, because it is a testament to our police department’s commitment to building long-standing positive relationships within the community we serve,” he said.

“National Night Out promotes the power and significance of community partnerships, and nowhere is that more evident than in the laughs and smiles of our friends and neighbors here in Mundelein,” Seeley added.

Garry Sittler of Vernon Hills goes down the slide with son Nathan, 6, during free swim at Barefoot Bay in Mundelein at National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Safety is promoted in the annual message of National Night Out as a national platform. Extended family members spent time in Mundelein’s patrolled setting, including Ivette Flores of Mundelein, daughter Sol Shittu, 1, Sol’s aunt Norma Duran of Mundelein and Duran’s daughter Natalie, 6, a rising first grader.

Lake County is, “quiet, it’s nice and safe. The towns are very quiet and safe,” Flores said.

“I love Lake County,” Duran said.

Brandon and Stacey Karl of Mundelein brought their children, Evelyn, 4, and Ethan, 2.

The evening was, “perfect,” Stacey Karl said, adding a desired takeaway that night for Evelyn and Ethan would be appreciation for, “safety, community … all that good stuff. Just family time.”

A scene from National Night Out in Mundelein on Aug. 1, 2023. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Brandon Karl hoped the family would have, “just a fun night … some good food.”

At Barefoot Bay were Enrique and Aida Rodriguez of Mundelein with their daughter Alia, 2.

“I’ve lived in Lake County my whole life,” Aida Rodriguez said. “It’s a great area.”

The Rodriguez family purchased their home in Mundelein about two years ago.

“When we were house searching, we didn’t want to move out of Lake County,” Rodriguez said. “We love the community. We love the area, it’s so friendly. We feel safe, which is one big important thing.”