Parks director asks board for special-events volunteers, pursues sponsorships and drone show for Fourth Fest

Mr. Hayes, presenting the director’s report, asked the Parks Board to appoint two members to a special-events committee that will help plan five major community events — Chalk Fest, Board Fest, Taste of Missouri City, Oktoberfest and Snowfest — and to assist with sponsorship outreach. “We are requesting that two parks board members be assigned to that special events committee,” Hayes said, explaining the committee will meet monthly and include rec staff, park staff and communications staff.

Hayes said the department has set a target of about $15,000 in sponsorships for events this year and is working with the city manager’s office to request hotel-occupancy-tax funds to support a drone show as part of Fourth Fest. He said staff is also exploring recruiting a national act for the event.

The director praised staff for extensive preparation supporting Black History Month events and the recent Freedom Tree Plaza opening, noting extra cleanup and power washing by park crews. Hayes also asked board members to help with outreach and presentations to homeowners associations and other community groups as the city incorporates newly annexed areas.

Lawrence used the board-report period to acknowledge recent changes in board composition after a council action to reduce membership from 13 to nine and to announce memorial events recognizing Regina Nichols, including a public program at the Art Factory and a memorial-tree dedication at Oyster Creek Trail.

Hayes closed by reminding the board of an upcoming Edible Arbor Trail Fest on March 14 and asking staff to provide requested presentation slides and event logistics when asked. The meeting then moved to next-agenda requests (State Mill Park update) and adjourned.