Commissioners push for stronger public-facing outreach: Earth Day booth lessons and concerts in park ideas

Commissioners who staffed the Parks and Community Services booth at Earth Day and attended spring events urged staff on May 8 to improve outreach materials and public engagement for future events and concerts in the park.

Several commissioners said the commission’s presence at Earth Day drew meaningful one-on-one conversations but could be more visible. Commissioner Houston praised the event turnout despite rain and suggested next year the commission develop a livelier booth to explain commission roles. Commissioner Ledger and Chair Brown said a graphic presence, handouts and business cards would have helped; Ledger suggested taking the booth to concerts in the park.

Commissioner Ledger and others reported common public requests included more park restrooms and water fountains and programs that serve multiple age groups and abilities. Vice Chair Wright suggested simple interactive elements—she mentioned a bubble machine to draw families—rather than single-use giveaways, and urged inclusion on event stamp-card activities to boost traffic to the booth.

Commissioner Garcia Arcos and others asked staff to apply the draft core values to existing programs (for example, the mobile recreation program) to test how outreach and community-centered planning would look in practice. Commissioners also discussed outreach for low-income families to access bike-safety and helmet giveaways and suggested staff consider targeted outreach to Title I schools.

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Staff said they will incorporate the feedback into future event planning and improve the commission booth, including graphics and ways to invite broader participation at concerts and community events.