TO:
Honorable Mayor Powell and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT:Title
Request from the Parks and Recreation Commission to Approve Discussion, Planning and Execution of a Salute to the Troops Event for 2015 (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
APPROVE
Line
_________________________________________________________
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a request from the Parks and Recreation Commission to approve discussion, planning and execution of a Salute to the Troops Event for 2015.
Body
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications to the General Fund. The Parks and Recreation Commission will seek sponsorships to offset any operation and event costs.
BACKGROUND:
The idea of Salute to the Troops event was first raised at the June 23, 2014 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. The event is an opportunity for our community to honor the military service and sacrifice of the South Bay men and women in uniform and their families who have served our country.
The Parks and Recreation Commission Chair reached out to the City Council and requested approval to discuss the Salute to the Troops events. The City Council supported the Parks and Recreation Commission's request and asked that the item return to the City Council for approval.
DISCUSSION:
The Commission is seeking approval to plan an event to salute the troops. The proposed event information is as follows:
Event Date
The Commission discussed three potential event dates: Armed Forces Day, May 16, 2015; July 4, 2015 weekend; Veteran's Day (weekend prior) 2015; or a Sunday Concerts in the Park (in conjunction with a Sunday concert) 2015.
Event Location
The proposed location was Polliwog Park, however other event locations may be considered if needed.
Potential Sponsors
The Commission will approach local businesses and organizations, large and small to help offset operation and event costs.
Program
A number of program options were discussed by the Commission. The Commission suggested an opening ceremony to include color guards, Pledge of Allegiance and speeches from local dignitaries.
Entertainment consisting of a local band; or Armed Forces band (U.S. Marine Corps Band, U.S. Coast Guard Band, U.S. Air Force Band, U.S. Navy Band, etc.), one of the Mira Costa High School bands or the Hyperion String Quartet.
Participants will bring their own food. Based upon the level of sponsorship, bottled water, lemonade, watermelon, shaved ice, dessert (cake) or popcorn may be provided.
Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Commission would work in conjunction with Manhattan Beach students and interview veterans highlighting their experiences in the military. A proposed video montage would be assembled and shown during the picnic to highlight the interviews of veterans by MC students. Students may also "adopt a veteran" and embrace who they are as individuals.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a request from the Parks and Recreation Commission to approve discussion, planning and execution of a Salute to the Troops Event for 2015.