Narberth Parks & Rec finalizes May movie night, backs low-cost nature programs for kids

The Narberth Parks & Recreation advisory committee confirmed plans for a May 15 movie night at Sine Park and discussed low-cost summer programming for Elm Grove on May 12.

Ryan O'Donnell told the board he is proposing two hands-on activities for children: quadrat sampling to teach field ecology and a simple birdhouse-building workshop. "One thing I was thinking is quadrat sampling," O'Donnell said, explaining the exercise would let kids survey one-square-meter plots to observe plants and small wildlife. He added the birdhouse activity can be built in about 20 minutes with simple hand tools and materials that cost about $4 to $5 per child.

Why it matters: the programs aim to engage families in neighborhood green spaces and to document Elm Grove's biodiversity before future development. Committee members said the proposed activities are low-cost but raised logistical questions about materials, registration and promotion.

Board members agreed to share attendance numbers from prior movie nights so local groups could estimate turnout; a local Cub Pack expressed interest in partnering as a fall fundraiser but said May was too short notice. The committee discussed funding options: use of the current board budget (which the chair said is already committed based on last fall's submission), a local-business sponsorship, or a nominal participant fee. Jim suggested a $5 registration fee to encourage commitment and help cover materials but emphasized fee waivers for those who cannot pay.

The committee asked borough staff whether the borough website can support online registration and payment in time for late-June programming. Members tentatively discussed a date around June 28 for the activity, aiming for the week after most local schools let out; precise timing will depend on borough support for registration and promotion through the borough newsletter and social media.

On movie-night logistics, organizers confirmed vendor procedures (vendors typically call the morning of the event to confirm), a 7:30 p.m. show start, generator pickup plans, and trash/dumpster placement. The board agreed to contact local restaurants and small caterers about providing food options or pre-ordered specials for the September 19 fall movie night, and the chair said she would email local businesses to solicit participation.

The board approved the March 10 meeting minutes at the start of the session and adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Next regular meeting was scheduled for Sept. 8.

The committee left program scheduling and registration setup with staff to confirm, and members said they would report back by email with attendance figures and vendor responses.