Milton board directs staff to pursue partnerships with AR Workshop and LaMoche Mahjong club

The Milton Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on Feb. 20 voted to have staff continue talks with two local program providers after hearing presentations about arts and community classes.

Rachel, an owner-operator with AR Workshop, told the board her franchise is moving to a mobile model and wants to partner with Parks & Rec to offer adult workshops, kids’ summer camps and after-school programs. "We decided we would close the shop and continue to go mobile," Rachel said, describing DIY classes that run two to three hours and cost roughly $49 to $89 per person. She said summer art camps are five-day sessions priced at $275 per week for groups of 6–20 children.

Board members asked about likely locations and class frequency; staff and presenters named potential venues including Community Place, Bethel Community Center and the Milton City Park and Preserve (MCPP). Morgan Van Gelder moved to have staff continue conversations with Rachel; the motion carried unanimously.

The board also heard from Carly and Elizabeth of LaMoche Club, who proposed beginner lessons ("Mahjong 101/102"), guided play sessions and open-play opportunities. They said they supply materials, instruction booklets and table setups and have run several sold-out events. "We've sold out of every single event we've done," one presenter said, noting interest in weekly or biweekly sessions and potential later league play.

The board voted to direct staff to continue conversations with LaMoche Club; no formal contracts or financial commitments were approved during the meeting. Next steps are staff follow-up and reporting to the board before any agreement is finalized.