Board details spring events, safety plans and alternatives for Kids to Park Day

Town parks staff briefed the board on a packed spring calendar and contingency planning for outdoor programming.

For March 14 at Centennial Park: staff said there will be no street parade but tents, a town booth, sensory tent, and Highland Games demonstrations; Jerry, the town communication specialist, will staff the town booth. Because of forecast high gusts, staff explained inflatables (including a large "lava run") may exceed wind-rating limits and suggested exceptions to normal no‑staking policy (stake no closer than 2 feet from paths; no stake longer than 8 inches into turf; mark main utility lines) or fallback activities (yard games and more booths) if inflatables must be removed.

Arbor Day is scheduled for April 25 at Wellville with tree demonstrations involving Bartlett and library participation. The board confirmed staff coordination and volunteer sign-ups.

On Kids to Park Day and the fishing derby, staff raised a significant operational issue: filling and maintaining ponds depends on water-rights priorities and coordination with external parties (irrigators and Colorado Parks & Wildlife). Staff warned timing is not guaranteed and recommended alternatives that reduce dependence on pond conditions, including bike-to-park routes, scavenger hunts, and partnering with Kuanas (a local club) to stage interpark activities.

Members asked staff to publicize volunteer needs and timing (setup begins midmorning, staffing through midday), and to consider rebranding or modifying activities if water constraints arise. Board members supported holding an April planning check-in and directed staff to present final contingency plans at the next meeting.