Wellington plans pirate-themed park night with movie, activities on Sept. 19

Wellington Parks & Recreation staff and committee members agreed to develop a pirate-themed park night with a movie and family activities on Sept. 19. The committee discussed programming ideas, volunteer needs and permit requirements during its Aug. 13 meeting. Staff said the plan is for an evening event with on-site activities such as face painting, a treasure map, inflatables and a movie after sunset. "The movie won't start until the sun goes down," the presenter said, noting the town would program normal recreation support and request volunteer assistance from the committee. Committee members suggested possible movie choices (Pirates of the Caribbean and Goonies were discussed as options) and outreach partners including Mingle and Main and downtown businesses. Staff proposed coordinated promotion that could tie a downtown dining or "mingle on Main" activity to the park event that night. Committee members raised logistical issues: staffing impact for early-morning sports shifts the next day, the need for marketing and coordination with local volunteers, and permitting for any open-flame cooking. Staff said a special event permit would be required for open-flame cooking and that a pig roast would need either a town permit or to be hosted under a private venue's existing permit. Organizers asked committee members for project direction and volunteer commitments to finalize programming and marketing so town staff can scale the event up or keep it simple. Staff said they will circulate a planning checklist and request volunteers to assist with on-site activities and promotion in the coming weeks.