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National Night Out Brings Community and First Responders Together

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The Altoona Police Department joined with the Logan Township Police Department this summer for National Night Out, bringing residents and local first responders together for an evening focused on community, safety and connection.

The free, family-friendly event was held on August 4, 2026 and gave residents an opportunity to meet police officers, firefighters and emergency responders who serve the community every day.

The evening included live music, local vendors, prize giveaways, a bouncy house, family activities and the always-popular police dunk tank.

National Night Out is designed to strengthen relationships between residents and public safety personnel while encouraging stronger, safer neighborhoods.

Events like National Night Out provide an informal setting for families to get to know the people behind the uniforms, ask questions and learn more about the work of local emergency responders.

For news, community updates and public safety information, follow the Altoona Police Department on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of the Altoona Police Department.

Prospect Pool Undergoing Renovation Ahead of 2027 Reopening

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A longtime Altoona recreation facility is getting a fresh start.

Prospect Pool is undergoing a complete renovation during the summer of 2026, with the newly renovated facility expected to welcome children, families and adults back in 2027.

The pool is part of Altoona’s broader network of parks and recreation facilities managed by the City of Altoona in cooperation with the Central Blair Recreation and Parks Commission. The area includes 26 parks, an all-abilities park, a spray park and three community centers offering opportunities for recreation throughout the city.

The Prospect Pool project will provide the community with a renewed public swimming facility and another place for residents of all ages to enjoy outdoor recreation.

Additional information about the renovated facility and its 2027 reopening will be shared as the project progresses.

For updates on the renovation and future reopening of Prospect Pool, visit Prospect Pool Altoona.

HoopsFest Brings More Than 1,000 Players to Downtown Altoona

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Downtown Altoona became a basketball hub this summer as HoopsFest 2026 brought hundreds of teams and thousands of players and spectators into the heart of the city.

Now in its 24th year, HoopsFest is billed as the Mid-Atlantic’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The 2026 event featured 250 teams representing 11 states, with more than 1,000 players competing in over 900 games.

The tournament was held Saturday, July 18, throughout Downtown Altoona, with divisions for youth, adults and competitive players. New for 2026 were an Adult Co-ed Division and a Wheelchair Division, expanding opportunities for even more athletes to take part.

In addition to the competition on the courts, HoopsFest brings residents and visitors downtown for a full day of basketball, food and community activity.

Events like HoopsFest showcase downtown Altoona as a gathering place for large-scale community events while welcoming participants and families from across Pennsylvania and beyond.

For more information about HoopsFest, visit HoopsFest.net.

Big Boy 4014 Makes a Historic Stop in Altoona

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Altoona welcomed one of the most impressive pieces of American railroad history this summer when Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 rolled into the city as part of its cross-country tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Built in 1941, Big Boy No. 4014 stretches 132 feet long and weighs approximately 1.2 million pounds. Only 25 Big Boy locomotives were ever built, and of the eight that remain today, No. 4014 is the only one still operating. After being retired in 1961 with more than one million miles behind it, the locomotive was restored to operating condition in 2019.

The locomotive arrived in Altoona on July 8, beginning three days of activities that drew an estimated 90,000 visitors. Crowds gathered throughout the area to see the massive steam locomotive, including during public viewing opportunities and its trip through one of Altoona’s most recognizable railroad landmarks, Horseshoe Curve.

The visit also brought Governor Josh Shapiro to Altoona and gave residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the city’s railroad heritage in a way few events can match. Downtown businesses and restaurants joined in welcoming visitors during the locomotive’s stay.

For a city whose history is so closely connected to the railroad, the visit of Big Boy No. 4014 was more than an opportunity to see a legendary locomotive. It was a chance to celebrate Altoona’s railroad legacy while introducing thousands of visitors to the community that helped shape American railroading.

The City of Altoona thanks everyone who helped welcome Big Boy 4014 and the thousands of visitors who joined us for this memorable piece of railroad history.

Fireworks Safety in Altoona: Celebrate Safely

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Fireworks can be part of many celebrations, but a few simple precautions can help keep the fun from turning into an emergency.

Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day, New Year’s Eve or another special occasion, keep these fireworks safety tips in mind:

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should only use them with close adult supervision.
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Only use fireworks outdoors and away from people, homes and flammable materials.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Never hold a lit firework in your hand or attempt to relight a device that did not work properly.
  • Light only one firework at a time, wear protective eyewear and maintain a safe distance.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby and thoroughly soak spent and unused fireworks before disposing of them.
  • Remember that fireworks can be frightening for pets. Take steps to keep animals safe and secure during fireworks displays.

Sparklers require caution, too. According to safety information highlighted in the Mayor’s Newsletter, sparklers account for more than 25% of fireworks-related injuries and half of fireworks injuries involving children under age five. Glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers can provide safer alternatives for young children.

Residents should also be familiar with and follow the City of Altoona’s fireworks ordinances when using fireworks within the City.

For City information and local ordinances, visit AltoonaPA.gov.

Salvation Army EMS Van Provides Support During Local Emergencies

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When local first responders are called to a fire, accident or other emergency, the Salvation Army EMS Van is another community resource that can arrive to help.

The mobile unit responds to emergency scenes throughout the area, providing practical support such as food, water and blankets for first responders and residents affected by an emergency. It also offers encouragement and support during situations that can be stressful and difficult for everyone involved.

The service is one of the many ways the Salvation Army supports the Altoona community beyond its more familiar holiday programs.

At emergency scenes, firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel and other responders may spend hours working under difficult conditions. Having food, water and other basic necessities available can provide important support while they remain focused on the work at hand.

The EMS Van also assists individuals and families whose lives may have been suddenly disrupted by a fire, accident or other emergency.

Through services like the EMS Van, the Salvation Army works alongside local emergency responders to help care for both the people serving the community and those who need assistance during an emergency.

For more information about local programs and services, visit The Salvation Army Altoona Corps.

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division.