Residents, city push Evergreen Park redevelopment; fundraising events planned in August

Councilmember Taylor and City Manager Sharon Satino highlighted community fundraising and outreach for the Evergreen Park and Pool redevelopment during the July 21 meeting.

Taylor described the We Are Evergreen Committee’s long-running effort, saying neighbors and new families have recently volunteered contacts and financial support. Satino and Parks Director Ryan Smith outlined several upcoming fundraisers to support the redevelopment: a “Moms on the Loose” event (Friday, Aug. 15, 7–10 p.m., 77, 6700 Ferris St., Suite 130; $60 per person with two drink tickets), and an Evergreen Duck Derby (Saturday, Aug. 23, 9–11 a.m., Evergreen Pool at 4500 Evergreen St.; ducks cost $5 each, six for $25 or 40 for $100). Staff directed residents to weareevergreen.org for details and online contributions.

Satino said Parks and Recreation is also hosting a free family “Cool Down Day” on July 24 and a Dive-In Movie Night on Aug. 7 at the Bellaire Family Aquatic Center. Smith proposed opening the recreation center on Sundays to increase access (staff said fee adjustments would make the change revenue neutral) and included a request to replace the fitness-room flooring. Satino noted those changes would appear in the fee schedule and budget packet.

Councilmembers and staff framed Evergreen Park as a broadly nonpartisan, community-driven project that has drawn sustained interest and new participants. No formal action or appropriation for the park redevelopment was approved July 21; council scheduled budget workshops and hearings where specific funding questions will be considered.