Annual Tosa Night Out celebration will relocate to Milwaukee County Zoo

As a result of ongoing and anticipated construction happening in and around Hart Park, police have said this year's Tosa Night Out event will be relocated to the Milwaukee County Zoo. 

The event is normally held at Hart Park.

"Hart Park has been a wonderful home to our Night Out activities since the very beginning," Leist said in an email. "I imagine that once the construction dust settles in and around the park, State Street and the Village area, we will return."

Leist said the event relocated to the zoo before, about 10 years ago, when Hart Park was undergoing construction work.

This year's festivities will include neighborhood block parties on July 30, 31 and Aug. 1. The police department is encouraging as many neighborhoods as possible to host annual block parties during those days; officers plan to attend every block party that weekend.

On Aug. 3, an appreciation event will take place at the zoo, 10001 W. Bluemound Road. The event will feature carousel rides, train rides and free ice cream. Many past participating groups and sponsors will also be at the zoo.

No events are scheduled for Aug. 2.

Hundreds of youth gathered at Hart Park during last year's Tosa Night Out event, but police said there were no incidents reported. Large groups of teens were gathered at the park after activities died down, but police dispersed crowds at the 11 p.m. curfew.

Each registered participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, free admission and parking at the zoo and other sponsored items. Registration will be open from 8 to 11:30 a.m. May 8 at Hart Park's Muellner building, 7300 W. Chestnut St. The registration kickoff will be in conjunction with the annual Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers pancake breakfast.

After May 8, registration will take place at the Little Read Book Store, 7603 W. State St., during regular business hours.