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Parks staff outlines events, upgrades and outreach plans; board to vet sign and mural designs
Summary
Parks staff reviewed a schedule of upcoming events (Derby, haunted house, 9/11 observance), reported progress on field lights and pickleball courts, and said an electronic sign replacement and a Hawks Park mural concept will be brought back to the board.
Parks staff told the Recreation and Cultural Services Board on Thursday that a busy event season and several capital projects are moving forward, and that staff will return to the board with design proposals and timelines.
Staff reported multiple upcoming events including the fishing derby (noted as occurring on the 20th), a 9/11 observance now managed internally by the city, and a planned haunted-house collaboration with the high school’s shop and theater classes. The shop and theater teachers will help build props and a Santa house; staff said they will bring conceptual materials back to the board for a vote.
On facilities, staff said contractor quotes for sports-field lighting have been received and installation should occur within the next month. Pickleball courts are nearing completion with a soft opening expected in October–November, which staff said will deliver cost savings and new recreational capacity. Staff also described new physical gates at parks to allow closures for events and storms and highlighted completion of a Veterans site landscaping renovation.
Board members raised community outreach concerns: a member said a previously available quick link to the city (Edgewater) web page was not working for some residents. Staff acknowledged the issue and said Andrea (staff) has been working with a vendor to update the electronic sign and will bring the new sign design and implementation plan to the board. A resident suggested exploring a local TV/ticker or low-power broadcast channel for 24-hour city information; staff noted the city PIO currently uses social media and that they will investigate options and vendor capabilities.
Members also brainstormed holiday parade planning and grand marshal nominations, suggesting unsung community volunteers, crossing guards and recent retirees as candidates; members agreed to email ideas to staff and let staff coordinate nominations to the mayor’s office.
The board set its next meeting for Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned around 6:08 p.m.
Direct quote examples from the meeting include the chair’s welcome to a new member: "Welcome Theresa, we're excited you're here," and staff describing the sign work: "We're gonna bring you the board sign." Staff will return with design proposals and a recommended rollout schedule.
