Walkersville panel approves homeschool soccer and Nov. 8 Ataxia walk, discusses spring 'Music in the Park'

The Walkersville Town Commission at its recent meeting approved two park-use requests and discussed a proposed Music in the Park series with the town’s Economic Development Council (EDC).

Laurie Keifer, speaking for a homeschool soccer group, asked to use the Heritage Farm Park soccer fields from Sept. 11 through Oct. 30 and said the group had GVA approval and insurance on file. Commissioners raised no operational objections. A motion to approve the homeschool group’s field use was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Victoria, who identified herself only by first name, requested permission to hold a Walk for Ataxia at Walkersville Community Park on Nov. 8, proposing a two-hour event with additional setup and tear-down time. She said she had the pavilion rental, park-use form and liability insurance but had not yet listed expected attendance; she estimated 30–50 people and said the event would be promoted on the National Ataxia website. Commissioners approved the Nov. 8 permit after confirming that the Town of Walkersville must be listed as certificate holder on the event insurance and asking her to email the corrected certificate.

The commission also discussed a possible Music in the Park series. Aaron Stilwell, a member of the EDC, said the council can help with promotion, vendor coordination and logistics, drawing on lessons learned from recent pop-up events. "I'm Aaron Stilwell, one of the board members for the EDC and, here to help anyway," he said. Commissioners agreed it would be best for David (the project lead) to present a plan in January and suggested aiming for a spring start if timing allows.

Next steps: staff will accept the corrected insurance certificate from the Ataxia walk organizer; the EDC and town will work with David to develop a Music-in-the-Park plan for consideration in January.