Dormont Recreation Board Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Dormont Recreation Board met on June 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered a car show proposal, a grown-up movie event, the story stroll, future event planning for the Dormont Dash and Street Fair, and updates on ongoing programs like Movies in the Pool Lot and Yoga in the Park. The board approved several event dates and next steps.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Car Show Proposal: Three guests (Sean Melvin, John Moore, and Sean Fink) presented a proposal to revive the Dormont Car Show, which had been held in 2022 and 2023 but not in 2024. They expressed full support for bringing the event back, citing community enthusiasm and growth: 147 cars attended the first year despite rain, 70+ cars the second year, and 97 cars in the last year. They requested the board's help with promotion, day-of volunteers, and coordination. The guests suggested a kids' section, DJ services (provided by Sean Fink), and sponsorships (including John Moore's law firm as a title sponsor). They proposed a date of October 3, but the board noted a conflict and later selected September 27.

Discussion Items

• Car Show (Continued): The board discussed possible dates. September 27 (a Sunday) was chosen after checking the calendar and noting that October 3 had a rec center rental. The board agreed to support the event, with Melinda (staff) recommending an ad hoc committee from the rec board to liaise with the organizers. John Moore offered his law firm as a sponsor, and Sean Fink stated that Donnie Lee from Coaches would cover trophies and dash plaques. The board confirmed it would provide the parking lot and restroom access.
• Grown Up Movie: Sarah (absent) had proposed showing "10 Things I Hate About You" on July 23 (Thursday) with a rain date of July 30 at Hillsdale Park. The board discussed logistics: noise ordinances (okay until 11 PM), setup of screen and sound equipment, and the possibility of having Back Alley Beer (across the street) set up a tent. Melinda agreed to confirm Hillsdale Park's suitability for the screen and to email the board. If not feasible, the pool parking lot was an alternate location. The board conditionally approved the dates pending park confirmation.
• Story Stroll: The board considered a story walk for August 1–30, ending at the Dormont Dash (August 30). Beth suggested "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" or other books, and Amanda recommended exploring bilingual options or renting from the Allegheny County Libraries Association. The board agreed on a one-month duration to avoid weather damage, with cleanup at the end. A final book selection was deferred.
• Dormont Dash (August 30): Melinda reported progress: more sponsors than last year, 216 participants in 2025, medals and shirts selected, and the same main sponsor (Society). A new raffle basket system will replace swag bags. A coffee cart is confirmed. The board discussed volunteer recruitment and minimum age of 18 for race volunteers.
• Street Fair: Moonlit Burgers will sponsor the Kids Zone (renamed). The board decided to repeat last year's activities: pumpkin painting and face painting. They discussed potential partnerships with Moonlit Burgers (e.g., discounts for kids) and the possibility of a karaoke machine or airbrush tattoos. The volunteer fire department will also participate.
• Movies in the Pool Lot (Old Business): The board discussed the rear projection setup, which delays start until fully dark. Attendance at the last movie was good despite the later start. They also addressed storage organization in the rec center closet.
• Yoga in the Park (Old Business): The board discussed the need for more sign-up sheets due to high turnout. The instructor (Stacey) expressed interest in offering evening/sunset yoga sessions. The library offered its space as a rain location. The board will follow up with Kirsten to coordinate.
• Board Recruitment: Melinda reported that only one application has been started for a rec board vacancy. The board agreed to create a laminated QR code linking to the application to promote at events.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Car Show Date: September 27, 2026 (Sunday) at the rec center parking lot, with an ad hoc committee to coordinate.
• Conditional Approval of Grown Up Movie: July 23 (rain date July 30) at Hillsdale Park or pool parking lot, pending confirmation of equipment setup.
• Story Stroll Set for August 1–30: Book selection to be finalized later.
• Dormont Dash and Street Fair: Continue with planned activities; Moonlit Burgers confirmed as Kids Zone sponsor.
• Yoga: Investigate sunset yoga sessions and library rain location.
• Recruitment: QR code for board applications to be distributed at events.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.