Commissioners who staffed the Parks & Recreation pop-up park at the city’s recent Cyclovia reported high participation, family engagement and operational lessons on May 20.

Vice Chair Evers, who led much of the report, said the pop-up park — the commission’s largest of the year — drew strong interaction between parents and children and included activities such as Connect 4, hula hoops and axe throwing. “When you look out and you see parents playing with their kids, kids playing with other kids, and you just see really the community coming together, it really gives you a nice, warm feeling,” Evers said.

Commissioners offered several practical takeaways to improve future events: add more circular hula hoops to replace worn sets; place temporary orange netting over storm drains during events to prevent lost pickleballs; plan staff and volunteer hours carefully (Evers said it took four people about one hour to set up and 40 minutes to tear down); and recruit more volunteers to manage popular activities.

Staff also noted the pop-up park served as an effective outreach point to hand out trail maps and program materials; several commissioners suggested using the setting to promote seasonal programs, volunteer sign-ups or QR codes for city resources.

Commissioners raised a promotional question: the pop-up park was listed on Cyclovia’s site map, but Evers said he would like Parks & Rec to be credited more prominently in event promotions going forward. Staff confirmed Parks & Rec works with special events divisions and other commissions on Cyclovia, and said they will explore options for better recognition and focused outreach at future events.

The discussion included operational details: organizers lost several pickleballs (one recovered), and staff suggested placing drain covers or other temporary measures during Cyclovia. Commissioners also recommended maintaining the success factors — simple games and family-friendly equipment — in future pop-up parks.