Title
Receive Sub-Committee updates; and take appropriate action.
Body
This agenda item allows the Committee members and staff to report, discuss, and exchange information regarding a sub-committee.
The FY 24-25 sub-committees are:
• Arts & Culture in Public Spaces
• Artist Outreach
• Arts & Culture Festivals
• Strategic Planning
• Events Review
Arts & Culture in Public Spaces
Staff will be present to give an update on the traffic signal box project.
Donation update: the outdoor sculpture was accepted by Dallas College and has been picked up and installed on the Brookhaven campus.
Electrical box contest is slated for fall 2025. The committee should identify what the call is geared towards; as well as research and propose the stipend and recognition for winning artists. Attached is a listing of area cities with links to their contest information.
Artist Outreach
Form and server to be updated; will be housed on the City’s web platform, Civic Plus.
Arts & Culture Festivals
Branch Arts Live confirmed date is October 26, 2025. Sub-committee will give an update.
Events Review
The sub-committee met on Thursday, July 10 at the Recreation Center following the Aquatic Center’s 10th birthday celebration, many sub-committee members attended and the Parks and Recreation Department received a proclamation recognizing National Parks and Recreation Month. The meeting covered the Independence Day Celebration, feedback recap, Halloween in the Park, early planning ideas, and general ideas.
Independence Day Celebration: Feedback Recap:
Overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Members loved Empire 6’s performance.
People appreciated the efficient entry process, no long lines.
The layout of the Meadow was well-organized and easy to navigate.
The kid zone had minimal wait times, which was a big plus.
One member enjoyed the pirate ride.
One member raised concerns about the impact of fireworks on wildlife and pets. They suggested considering drones as a quieter alternative in the future, or at the very least, providing more earplugs next year.
Halloween in the Park-Early Planning Ideas:
Recommended to have adult and teen-focused activities in addition to the kidzone.
Request for a live band or a DJ who engages the crowd with dance-alongs.
Spooky photo opportunities could be used as a fundraising element for the Parks and Recreation Board.
Ideas included roaming fortune tellers for added ambiance.
Request to involve CFBISD in more performances and acting opportunities.
Food trucks could be encouraged to offer themed Halloween menu items to enhance the event atmosphere.
Additional Items Discussed:
Creating a standard uniform or shirt for board members who volunteer at City events.
The date of the next Events Review sub-committee will be on Thursday, August 7, 2025. A sub-committee member will give an update.