Staff members of the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) joined hundreds of Portland residents and regional leaders, enjoying tasty treats, kid-friendly activities, free bike repairs, and engaging in community outreach during the National Night Out event on August 1st at Holladay Park in the Lloyd District.
This national event, now in its 34th year, promotes crime and drug prevention in neighborhoods the first Tuesday every August and offers a fun way to meet new people and interact with area police officers and firefighters. Attendees also engage with local businesses and organizations that offer information about how their services can help the community.
The Office of Neighborhood Involvement's Crime Prevention Program coordinates National Night Out (NNO) in Portland each year with the express purpose of crime deterrence through neighborhood cohesion and community building. Crime Prevention Program Manager Stephanie Reynolds noted on the city’s website, “Criminals want to be anonymous, to go unnoticed.” She went on to explain, “When neighbors know and look out for one another, pay attention to what is happening on their street and report crime, it goes a long way towards creating a safe neighborhood.”
Go Lloyd and other neighborhood partners were exceedingly pleased with Tuesday’s turnout, despite the higher than normal temps. OCC sales managers Monica Pea and Lisa Grau volunteered to host the Lloyd District Community Association booth and offered a special raffle prize. OCC was very proud to sponsor this year’s event and to be a part of the city’s efforts to strengthen community and bring Portland neighbors together.
The Oregon Convention Center is owned by Metro and managed by the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission. OCC is a LEED Platinum certified facility hosting groups from around the world and bringing millions of dollars into the Portland and Oregon economy.