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Resident proposes film series, board game nights and expanded volunteer outreach; committee readies First Night plans
Summary
Resident Sarah Boren urged a monthly board-game night, a film-series partnership with Beaches Go Green, and citywide awards; the committee discussed volunteer coordination, a hired volunteer coordinator, and staffing needs for First Night New Year27s Eve events.
A resident and environmental-committee chair, Sarah Boren, used public comment at the Oct. 14 Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee meeting to pitch multiple community programming ideas and offer help to organize them.
"My name is Sarah Boren. I live on 8th Street in Old Atlantic Beach, and I'm here both as an AB resident and also as ESE's chair," Boren said, then outlined two community-driven proposals: a monthly, all-ages board-game night to foster neighborly connections and a concept to activate the Bull Memorial Park roundabout as an outdoor stage framed by a giant chessboard/checkers area. She offered to bring a rendering and draft motions for committee consideration.
Boren also said ESE and ARC had identified films for a joint series and that Beaches Go Green had asked to partner; she said the city manager directed staff to identify $2,000 in the department budget to cover community screening licenses. Committee members agreed to consider serving as liaisons and to aim for a Dec. 1 decision so ESE could report to the commission Dec. 8.
Committee members and staff discussed volunteers at length. Members described the recent hire and subsequent departure of a volunteer coordinator, challenges with background checks, and the value of working with local high school Interact clubs to meet event staffing needs. The committee supported using a single, city-managed volunteer form and providing template materials to streamline volunteer onboarding.
On event planning, staff briefed the committee on First Night New Year27s Eve programming: daytime family events at Donner Park and evening concerts at Jack Russell Park, plus decorations, lighting, food trucks and volunteer needs. Staff said police and city staff will be assigned across the city for the event and asked committee members to help with logistics and day-of tasks.
The committee also heard updates on several community pilots and projects Boren referenced, including a no-mow wildflower pilot along Sandpiper, planning for an edible orchard/community garden, and a design donation offered for a senior community garden at the new Marsh Oaks Community Center. Members encouraged staff to coordinate communications so committee events and ESE activities are visible to residents.
