In the spirit of safe seasonal revelry, the Tacoma City Council has taken a unanimous stand to foster a safer environment for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos celebrations. In a decision made yesterday, according to the City of Tacoma's official website, they will sponsor an initiative called Trick or Streets, set to take place during the weekend of October 31 - November 2. This initiative, in collaboration with Safe Streets, will allow residents to close off their neighborhood streets to traffic, ensuring a safe, fun-filled experience for everyone involved.
District 1 Council Member John Hines expressed the need for creative solutions to ensure public safety during the holidays. "While Halloween is meant to be scary, it is not supposed to be dangerous for pedestrians, especially for young children." Hines added in a statement on the Tacoma government site, "Trick or Streets gives more of us the chance to create fun and fang-tastic spaces to connect and enjoy the spooky season together without concern for traffic."
This community-centric approach is bolstered by Safe Streets, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating stronger, healthier communities. Their experience with National Night Out in Tacoma, a similar community-building event, sets the precedence for Trick or Streets' potential success. By empowering residents to participate in these block party-style gatherings, the initiative is tapping into a proven method of fostering togetherness and safety awareness.
Enthusiasm for this direct-from-community motion is palpable among city council members. District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh affirmed the local leadership and dedication behind this move, stating, "Trick or Streets is about creating spaces where families can enjoy Halloween without worrying about traffic or safety. It reflects the kind of local leadership we should celebrate, where residents coming forward with creative solutions that serve everyone." Rumbaugh's comments, sourced from the city's announcement, emphasize the program's aim to become an enduring tradition within Tacoma.
