Staff outlines resident and business engagement guidelines for future park projects

Parks and Recreation staff presented a draft guideline for resident and business engagement on Feb. 17, describing a coordinated communications approach led by the city’s marketing and communications director to inform stakeholders about park initiatives and to encourage board members to serve as local ambassadors.

Phil explained that Lori Mullins, director of marketing and communications, and Andra (assistant director of recreation) will coordinate outreach using the city’s channels (newsletters, social media, print, public meetings and event outreach). "The city uses all our communication channels, including but not limited to the news, letters, print publications, social media, public meetings, and outreach at events to meet this goal," staff read into the record.

The nut graf: Staff emphasized that boards and commissions are resources for reaching residents and that volunteers’ neighborhood contacts amplify city messaging. The draft one‑sheet in the board packet lays out roles: staff supplies factual updates and tools, while board members amplify information through personal networks and local events.

Staff highlighted that different audiences prefer different channels — for example, teens rely on social platforms — and said the marketing team will refresh the city’s comprehensive communications plan in upcoming strategic sessions. The presentation noted timing constraints for projects and referenced the city budget calendar: planning begins in March and finalized budgets are typically set by June; staff recommended planning larger community events and funded projects with those timelines in mind.

Ending: Staff asked board members to send outreach ideas to staff, offered to provide template letters of support, and said the marketing team will return with additional materials as the city updates its communications plan.