‘Night to Unite’ Offers Way For Burnsville to Come Together

From neighborhood cookouts, with grills and picnic tables, to large potlucks with hired clowns and magicians, neighborhood parties are a common occurrence during the summer months.

But there is one get together that’s set apart from the others. It’s a special night to connect with those around you, not just for social purposes, but to make the community a safer place to live. This state-wide event is called Night to Unite, and on the evening of Tuesday, August 2, neighbors will have a chance to come together.

But the event isn’t just about neighbors connecting to neighbors. The police department, the fire department and city council members will also be out in force to discuss important issues in Burnsville neighborhoods. The Burnsville Police Department plans on meeting between 6,000 and 10,000 people during the night.  

“We are really into community building,” Burnsville Police Chief Robert Hawkins said. “We want to hear from the people of Burnsville and talk about the issues they are facing.”

For over 25 years the nation celebrated National Night Out, which had the same goals in mind, but three years ago the city of Burnsville decided to undergo a state-wide initiative instead of remaining under the national umbrella.

Now, Night to Unite is in its third year, and the Burnsville Police Department expects around 115 to 120 parties registered by August 2.

Although city officials hope that more crime will be prevented because of Night to Unite, prevention is hard to measure. But the night gives the Burnsville Police Department, the fire department and city council members the opportunity to strengthen the relationships between themselves and the communities they serve. This, they say, will help make Burnsville a better place to live.

“We hope that people feel confident and comfortable calling us and bringing their issues to us,” Hawkins said. “We really do rely on the other 60,000 eyes and ears in the community to keep the city safe.”

The Burnsville Police Department also leads many other initiatives around the community to make the city a safer place. Programs like Neighborhood Watch bring neighborhood leaders together to make residential areas safer. They also lead an initiative called Business Watch, where relationships are formed with area businesses in the hope that they will be confident in asking for help when needed.

If you would like to register your party for Night to Unite, you can register online with the city of Burnsville or call 952-895-4575.