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Fraser recreation commission outlines spring events, senior trips and park upgrades
Summary
At its March 9 meeting the Fraser Recreation Commission reviewed upcoming community events — including a Rams Horn fundraiser, the Trample the Trail walk-a-thon (April 18) and a marshmallow drop (March 28) — discussed senior‑trip logistics and accepted routine procedural items.
The Fraser Recreation Commission on March 9 reviewed plans for spring community events, updates to senior programming and early design work for playground replacements while approving routine agenda items and minutes.
Laura Les, representing the Fraser First Booster Club, outlined two fundraisers and community events. She said the Rams Horn fundraiser will share a percentage of meal sales with the booster club and include a bake sale and a raffle basket. Les also described the Trample the Trail walk‑a‑thon, set for April 18, and said Winkler Iron and Metal will provide recycling containers and refreshments for participants. "You can go to fraserfirst.com to register," Les said, asking commissioners and residents to publicize the event.
During the administration report, a staff member summarized event logistics for the season. The staff member said the marshmallow drop is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, with three sessions at 12:00, 12:45 and 1:30 p.m.; staff have purchased 200 bags of marshmallows, secured four face painters, arranged a petting zoo and contracted a food vendor to attend. The staff member said the event will include five golden eggs for special prizes and asked for volunteer help to manage crowds and registration tables.
Senior programming and transportation drew sustained attention. The staff member reported that the March 12 MGM casino trip and the April 23 Detroit Tigers outing had sold out; Tigers tickets were priced at $85 for members and $90 for nonmembers. The same staff member announced the arrival of a new 2025 Ford smart bus with 14‑passenger capacity and said, "we will keep one bus for local runs and use the other for events," explaining the need to prioritize local transportation and staffing plans.
On funding and budgeting, the staff member said the commission plans to request a $5,000 budget amendment at an upcoming city council meeting to support senior‑center staffing and extended hours. Commissioner Cook announced a separate grant of approximately $850 to build a senior‑center wall garden and said volunteers including Patrick Odell have offered to help. "I did receive a grant for approximately $850 to do a senior center garden on the wall," Commissioner Cook said.
During citizen participation, Laura Les urged the commission to explore charter buses for larger outings and suggested using third‑party payment apps such as Venmo or Zelle until official software is in place. "I'm just saying, is there interest? ... could you charter a bus and take like 50 people or 80 people?" Les asked, noting the potential to make events more inclusive. The staff member said the department will examine options and the cost implications, including charter fees and staffing needs.
The commission handled routine business by voice vote, excusing Commissioner Restelli (absent), approving the March 9 agenda and approving the minutes from the Feb. 10 meeting. With no further business, a motion to adjourn carried at 7:39 p.m.
What’s next: The commission will move forward with event preparations and vendor coordination for Trample the Trail and the marshmallow drop, pursue the council budget amendment for senior services, and bring further cost information about transportation and payment options back to a future meeting.
