Parks and Recreation Advisory Board selects beneficiaries for Parkland Dash and Pumpkin Patch

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to name Tomorrow’s Rainbow as the beneficiary of this year’s Parkland Dash and Food for the Poor as the beneficiary of the Pumpkin Patch, with Coats Plus Foundation and Fish Mending Nets designated as alternates.

Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Felicia Trainor explained the rationale for choosing beneficiaries earlier in the year: “So we are asking the board is to select a beneficiary for the Parkland Dash and an alternate for the Parkland Dash and then a beneficiary for the pumpkin patch and an alternate” to allow the city and nonprofit partners more time to organize volunteers and sponsorships. Trainor said historically the board favors organizations that can contribute volunteers and engage the Parkland community.

A Committee member moved the selection during the meeting and urged the board to act so organizations would have time to prepare. The Committee member said, “I personally would move that the beneficiaries be Tomorrow’s Rainbow and Food for the Poor, and then maybe we can come back in May for the alternates.” The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records ayes but does not include a numeric roll-call tally.

Board members discussed the criteria staff uses to compile the city’s approved-charity list. Trainor said the list is drawn from organizations formally approved by the commission; finalists often have local ties or a record of volunteer support. Board members noted events benefit when local groups are willing to help with onsite duties — packet pickup, water stations, parking and pumpkin distribution — and staff confirmed that a nonprofit that secures its own sponsor typically receives a larger share of sponsorship proceeds.

The board’s selections will be used immediately for event marketing and outreach. Staff said they will contact the selected organizations to confirm availability and volunteer commitments, and the city will proceed with sponsorship and promotional materials for the Parkland Dash and Pumpkin Patch.