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Parks staff propose pausing Pirates & Mermaids, expand fall event and formalize volunteer program
Summary
Recreation staff said they may pause the Pirates & Mermaids summer event to prioritize summer camp staffing, previewed Arbor Day and Holland Happening plans, and described steps toward a citywide volunteer program and adopt-a-park templates; a community member asked permission to place planters and a Trex bench.
Liz Lang, recreation manager, told commissioners the popular Pirates & Mermaids event may be paused this summer so staff can focus on delivering a strong summer camp program amid limited staffing and sponsorship changes.
"We are having conversations about pausing Pirates and Mermaids this year," Lang said, noting staff are talking with sponsors and exploring a larger fall community event called Harvest at the Harbor.
Lang also reported active summer-camp hiring (applicants must be 18+), the Wearable Art show on May 16–17 (20 entrants; several student entries), and that the next activity guide will be circulated to commissioners for a quick review prior to publication.
Brandon, parks supervisor, outlined Catalina Park improvement planning and said staff will discuss grant and utility options with the mayor and others and report back to the commission. He also previewed Parks’ presence at Holland Happening and an Arbor Day table at Windjammer Park, where tree-climbing demonstrations are scheduled at 1:30 and 2:30 and saplings will be distributed.
During public comment, Kathy Chalfin of the Oak Harbor Garden Club thanked staff and asked for permission to place a Trex bench at Holland Gardens and to work on heavy concrete planters temporarily stored at Hauling Gardens; staff responded that the request will be placed on a future agenda so the city can advise next steps.
Commissioners and staff also discussed creating a citywide volunteer program and adopt-a-park templates; staff said Human Resources is developing a volunteer guide that addresses safety, insurance and a sign-off process, and that staff will produce a toolkit to standardize volunteer hours and recognition.
A commissioner raised Mount Vernon’s use of a levy to fund a universal playground; staff said that idea will be examined as part of forthcoming planning efforts (recreation feasibility, urban forestry and the comprehensive plan) and that consultants will recommend priority projects for council consideration.
