Mesquite — Parks and Recreation presented spring‑to‑summer attendance data, capital projects funded by the 4B Quality‑of‑Life Corporation and a request for council direction on special events and park projects.

Elizabeth Harrell, Director of Parks and Recreation, reviewed completed projects (skate park, spray zone, playground updates) and asked council whether to replace the city’s MLK parade with a Black History Month celebration and whether to reintroduce a mother‑son dance. The Parks and Recreation Board recommended adding the two events and removing a low‑attendance “Guts & Gory” run.

Why it matters: Parks and events draw residents to public spaces and help local businesses and community groups; funding and staff time for big events is a recurring city expense and both council and the Parks Board asked staff to pursue sponsorships to offset costs.

Most important facts
- Events and programming: The department reported strong growth in teen turnout programs and preteen camps; a “dive‑in” movie night at City Lake Aquatic Center drew about 725 attendees in the latest session, double last year’s turnout.
- Parks capital: Ongoing capital projects include City Lake Park design, playground replacements, Vanston Park redevelopment linked to the replacement of Fire Station No. 2, and a second spray zone and pickleball at Evans Park. The Parks budget relies heavily on Mesquite 4B Quality‑of‑Life funds for special projects.
- Events policy: The Parks and Recreation Board advised the city to (a) consider a Black History Month event as an alternative to the January MLK parade because January attendance has been low and (b) reintroduce a mother‑son dance; it recommended removing the low‑demand zombie run.

Council feedback and next steps
- Council members suggested keeping an MLK recognition component and better public education if event timing is changed; several members urged staff to pursue sponsorships for marquee events such as the rodeo parade and Christmas in the Park.
- Parks staff will return with cost estimates and an outreach plan, and present proposed sponsorship and revenue options to reduce the city’s operating subsidy for large events.

Ending: Harrell said the department will advance the parks master plan and a recreation‑center feasibility study and will bring detailed cost and sponsorship options back to council for any event additions or restorations.