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Fraser Recreation Commission reviews spring events, marshmallow-drop turnout and requests added staff and software in budget
Summary
Commissioners heard reports on a sold-out marshmallow drop (600 kids registered, ~1,200 attendees), upcoming Trample the Trail and market days, and a staff request to fund part-time recreation help and registration software in the city budget to expand programs and senior‑center hours.
The Fraser Recreation Commission used its April 7 meeting to recap spring events, confirm logistics for upcoming community activities and hear a budget request from staff seeking more recreation support.
Chris, who delivered the administration report, said the marshmallow drop sold out with 600 children registered and an estimated 1,200 people in attendance. Staff and volunteers managed registration, a petting/horse ride area and a food truck; limited volunteer coverage on the field led organizers to consider additional safety measures (ropes or alternate staging) for future drops.
Staff also reviewed Trample the Trail (April 18), a community walk-a-thon and recycling/shredding event. Fraser First Booster Club representatives said the event runs 9:00–11:00 (walk) with recycling/shredding available 8:30–12:30, has sponsors including Winkler Iron & Metal and AEW, and that individual registration is $10 and family registration $20. AEW is collecting community input via an on-site survey and an online form to help guide park improvements; early survey results ranked water play and a ninja course among top preferences.
In the administration report Chris told commissioners he will ask the City Council in the upcoming budget workshop for resources to expand recreation services: a part-time hire to help restart sports programming, extended senior-activity-center hours (proposed 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and recreation-management software to facilitate registrations, payments and waivers. "It's more efficient and it's effective," Chris said of the software, noting it would also help pavilion rentals and generate revenue for programming.
Commissioners pressed for details on how software would manage waivers and how staff would prioritize programming. Staff said pickleball nets and park restrooms would be put in place once freezing temperatures subside and DPW schedules permit.
Citizen Laura Lessage (15201 Fairview) urged restrooms be opened before Trample the Trail because of the expected crowd and asked whether the community could take part in DPW cleanup days. Staff confirmed DPW planned park cleanups near event dates and that community volunteers often participate.
What’s next: Staff will present the budget requests at the city’s budget workshop later in April; the commission will continue scheduling spring markets, the kite event and a July "tootle tour" fundraiser as planning continues.
