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Lisa Guzman requests Riverside Park for April 27 child-abuse-prevention walk
Summary
Lisa Guzman, representing a local family resource center, asked the Washburn Park Board to reserve Riverside Park on April 27 for a child-abuse-prevention walk with about three speakers; the board discussed logistics, bathroom closures and porta-potty and safety concerns about the ferry access.
Lisa Guzman, who identified herself to the board as a representative of the Family Resource Center, asked the Washburn Park Board for permission to hold a child-abuse-prevention walk at Riverside Park on Monday, April 27.
"We are requesting the use of Riverside Park on April 27," Guzman said, adding the group expects to have about three speakers and that the event would not be a fundraiser but an awareness and fellowship event for survivors and community members. "We just want to bring awareness to the community and to offer fellowship to survivors of child abuse as well as people who care a great deal in helping children." (Lisa Guzman, resident and presenter)
Board members welcomed the proposal and discussed practical details. Chair (speaker 1) noted park bathrooms will not be open that time of year and asked Guzman to add a disclaimer to promotions. "The bathroom down there won't be open," the Chair said, and suggested contacting the city about hall availability or fee waivers if the weather forces an indoor move.
Guzman described logistical flexibility: if the walking route is blocked by snow, she would shorten the route to walkable areas or hold speakers at the gazebo. She also said she would recruit speakers and welcomed suggestions; board members suggested contacting United Way in Bismarck for speaker referrals.
Board members and Guzman discussed basic safety and facilities: the ferry at Riverside is "not very in shape" and should not be part of the route, and the board offered to arrange for a single porta-potty if needed. Volunteers, including AmeriCorps, were offered to help with crowd control.
The board did not take a formal vote on the request during the meeting. Members directed Guzman to contact the city about hall availability and to include a bathroom-disclaimer on publicity. Guzman said she would proceed with planning and work with speakers' schedules.
The board and Guzman agreed the event should emphasize outreach and support rather than fundraising. Guzman reiterated: "No — absolutely not. We just want to bring awareness to the community."
