Organizers seek borough approval for annual 'Art Goes Pink' 5K on Aug. 15

Organizers of a proposed annual 5K and one-mile walk called "Art Goes Pink" asked the Clarks Summit Borough Council on Tuesday to approve a permanent special-event permit for Aug. 15. Scott Shingo, representing the nonprofit behind the event, said the application includes a site plan, an emergency-response plan and a mapped race route using borough streets.

"We're hoping to have it, August 15," Shingo said, describing plans already filed with borough staff. He told council the application includes details needed for municipal review.

Race director Bruce Redock described safety plans and volunteer staffing, including a medical station and an emergency briefing one month before the race to coordinate EMS, police and any DPW support. "Safety and quality are my number 1 priorities," Redock said, adding organizers will limit runners to a single lane through residential areas and use the sidewalk near the bridge to avoid full road closures.

Council members asked how parking and traffic would be handled. Organizers said they will request permission to use CSC school parking, approach nearby businesses for overflow parking and recruit volunteers from high-school teams and parents to staff intersections and water stations. Staff noted that the roadmaster and police chief typically must "sign off" on traffic control plans before a permit is finalized.

The council did not take a formal vote on the permit at the meeting; council members encouraged the organizers to coordinate with the police chief and roadmaster and to provide any additional details requested by staff so the application can proceed through the standard permit review.

Next steps: organizers said registration will open March 1; the borough asked organizers to remain in contact with staff and the police department as they finalize operational details.