Bonney Lake’s annual National Night Out celebration is moving to a new park this year.

After several years of hosting the event at Ken Simmons Park and then moving to Cedarview Park, the city will move the second event to the Lake Jane Estates community park around Lake Debra Jane.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. at Ken Simmons park before moving to the Lake Debra Jane Estates HOA Park at 6:15 p.m.

The move marks the first time in Bonney Lake a homeowner’s association park will host a National Night Out event.

“I think we’re looking to try and spread it around the city,” said Community Services Officer Kristine Yanez, who with Community Services Officer Steve Flaherty is coordinating the evening.

Yanez said the Debra jane Estates community has expressed interest in starting a block watch program and the department felt this could provide a good foundation to get it started.

“We’re just trying to get into the community where block watches have been tried, but not very successful,” Flaherty said.

Like last year, National Night Out will get started at Ken Simmons Park on Lake Bonney. This year’s celebration is sponsored by the Lake Bonney Conservation Association.

As always, the event will feature several police vehicles, as well as members of the force and appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog and East Pierce Fire and Rescue mascot Sparky.

In addition, a free barbecue, sponsored by Target, a national sponsor of the event, is planned for the stop at Lake Debra Jane, which will be open to the public on the night of the event.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

National Night Out is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. tonight.

For more information on National Night Out visit http://www.ci.bonney-lake.wa.us/section_community/parks_recreation/special_events/NNO.shtml