Parks director: city wins three American in Bloom awards; fall events drew hundreds

Director Laurie reported that city staff, three committee members and two staffers attended the American in Bloom symposium and "brought home the coolest downtown award, the alive with flowers sunbeam social media award, and then in the 13,000 to 20,000 population category, the growing vibrant community award." She provided a copy of the symposium write-up for board members to review.

Laurie also recapped recent community events. She said the Witches on Main Street event on a recent evening drew about 370 attendees and 19 vendors, with food trucks including Ernesto's and Big Boys supplying concessions and Downtown Washington hosting a drink tent. Laurie thanked volunteer coordinators Robin, Casey and Melanie and credited parks staff Jim, Tim, Jason and Charles for handling setup, teardown and security; she also thanked Chad, Josh and Ron for additional setup and takedown help and noted board member Betty volunteered as a judge.

The director said the city's citywide garage sale on Sept. 27 had 46 homes participating and noted proceeds reported in the packet. On facility maintenance, Laurie said contractor MPM drained the pool, scrubbed the pool floor and will return to power-wash before winterizing. She said staff will present pool financials at the November meeting. Laurie also reported that Rotary Trail Day at the fairgrounds Swine Pavilion on Sept. 11 was well attended and that park staff assisted with setup and cleanup.

Board members asked brief procedural and clarifying questions; no formal action was taken on the director's report.