Olivette Parks Commission lays out annual work plan, volunteer push for Harvest Festival and Turkey Trot

Parks staff presented the commission’s annual project development plan and asked members to choose projects for the coming year, emphasizing community outreach, annual program reports and targeted working groups. Staff said the plan reorganizes the old “work plan” into a calendar-driven set of annual reports and project tasks so commissioners can provide timely input.

The memo distributed to commissioners highlights required annual reports by division — youth and adult sports, summer camps and special events — and staff said those reports will arrive throughout the year so commissioners are not overwhelmed by simultaneous briefings. Staff also asked commissioners to self-select roles on smaller working groups rather than relying on standing assignments.

On events, staff reviewed volunteer roles and a new sign-up sheet for upcoming activities. Commissioners were invited to help judge the city’s long-standing costume contest and to sign up for specific Harvest Festival shifts. Staff said the volunteer sign-up will list clear start and end times and duties so volunteers arrive prepared; staff will email the sheet to commissioners.

Commissioners discussed the Turkey Trot steering committee and volunteer needs. Staff noted the race’s long-term growth — registration was ahead this year compared with last — and encouraged commissioners to help with packet pickup, beverage service and parking coordination. Staff said the Turkey Trot steering committee and other volunteer-run efforts have been critical to event success.

Staff also described partnerships with resident volunteer groups, asking the commission to include 'Olivette in Bloom' and other sustainability advocates in outreach and site stewardship. The partnership with Olivette in Bloom contributes more than 1,000 volunteer hours a year and several thousand dollars in in-kind or direct support, staff said.

The commission agreed to record park visits and informal observations in a shared Google Doc so commissioners can give brief, actionable feedback prior to meetings. Staff said the doc is intended for quick notes (e.g., “swing broken,” “22 people observed at 3 p.m.”) and that dangerous conditions should still be reported immediately to staff.