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Parks board previews fall events, storywalks and outreach ideas to boost volunteer engagement
Summary
Board members discussed upcoming community events (Picnic in the Park, Paws in the Park), recent storywalk feedback, an arts reception and outreach ideas including a parks checklist for children and partnerships for livestreamed fitness classes.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed a slate of community events and outreach initiatives designed to increase volunteer involvement and promote park use.
Board members highlighted the city’s Picnic in the Park scheduled for Sept. 6 and Paws in the Park on Oct. 18, and said recent in-person events—including a Battle of the Bands—drew strong attendance. Tyler Dittman, the board chair, and other members encouraged continued use of such events to connect families and new residents with local parks.
Richie reported early positive feedback from storywalk installations: 28 responses to a survey, including families who read the panels with children. The board discussed vandalism and maintenance needs for storywalk panels and said they would summarize feedback at a future meeting.
Members suggested new outreach ideas: a simple parks checklist or “park passport” for children to encourage families to visit and learn about each park; partnering with a local Pilates instructor to livestream classes from parks to promote both the parks and community fitness; and continuing to work with Red Sky Gallery to host a tree-themed reception that will bring volunteers, council members and other boards together.
The board also heard a request from a pickleball group seeking modest city funding for windscreens and a bench at Horizon View Park; members agreed to follow up with staff about application or procurement paths. Board members discussed scheduling conflicts for community events and agreed to coordinate meeting dates to avoid major religious holidays and other community events.
"If you haven't been to the commons and seen either of the new mural additions, you guys should go by. They're more vibrant than there," one member said, noting the value of visible public art to draw park users. The board encouraged continued collaboration with the library and other groups to expand storywalks and youth programming.
