Blythewood council creates event‑safety task force to study reopening Dokko Meadows Park for large events

BLYTHEWOOD — The council voted Dec. 15 to form a temporary volunteer advisory task force to examine whether Dokko Meadows Park should reopen for large, organized events such as Juneteenth and Fourth of July celebrations.

Councilwoman Hovis proposed a 5–7 member advisory group of residents with experience in public safety, emergency management, event security or youth programming; meetings would be open to the public, held twice monthly through the spring and result in a recommendation to council. Hovis said the task force would be advisory only and would not have voting authority on council business.

Councilmembers asked how members would be selected and whether members must live inside town limits. Hovis said she would publicize the opportunity and accepted input that staff (Town Manager Driggers) should help screen or vet applicants; council discussed allowing applicants from the broader 29016 ZIP code and directed staff to advise on residency rules if needed. Councilman Brock suggested an odd number of members to avoid internal ties, though Hovis noted the committee itself would be advisory.

A motion to establish the task force with Councilwoman Hovis as the council representative was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Councilmembers encouraged the task force to invite council members early in its process so members can explain why some events were previously paused and identify safety concerns.

Next steps: staff will publish an expression‑of‑interest solicitation on social media and accept applications; Hovis and staff will develop a schedule for meetings in the January–April time frame and return a recommendation to council in late spring.