Dormont Recreation Board Meeting Summary – August 19, 2026

The Dormont Recreation Board met on August 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in a hybrid format. The board debriefed recent events, reviewed the 2026 budget, and finalized event planning for the year.

Event Debrief: Holiday Parade & Cookies with Santa

• The board reported that hot chocolate ran out early. Starting with 300 packets, they estimated a need for 400–500 in the future.
• Cookie decorating was popular but created a mess at the church. Board members suggested using cookie markers and providing baggies for easy transport.
• The board will coordinate with the church to have pre‑made hot chocolate inside and improve timing communication.
• Attendance was estimated at fewer than 400 children (based on 130 cookies with only 2 left over).
• High school students (via teacher Jess) donated 15 dozen cookies and volunteered; the board plans to continue this partnership.
• The board noted feedback that vendors were too spread out at the Home for the Holidays event and recommended consolidating them in future years.

House Decorating Contest Update

• Seven households registered for the contest.
• Voting will begin the following Sunday and run for two weeks; winners will be announced shortly after.
• Prizes include $50 gift cards from three local businesses. Best block/street receives a shout-out.
• Board members will distribute flyers door-to-door to encourage additional registrations.

Budget Review

• The board reviewed a three‑year budget history (2023–2025) and the proposed 2026 budget.
• The 2026 rec board functions budget is $8,000 (down from $12,000–$16,000) due to property tax increases; actual spending has been around $7,000–$7,500.
• Movies in the Parking Lot has a separate $3,000 budget; film licensing costs about $1,200 annually.
• The Dormont Dash generated $9,000 in revenue and incurred $7,231 in expenses, allowing a $2,550 donation to the memorial fund.
• Easter egg hunt costs were $1,600 in 2025, compared to $1,935 in 2024 and $945 in 2023.
• Yoga in the Park cost roughly double due to more sessions; the Story Stroll remains inexpensive.
• The board agreed to review the budget quarterly and consider end‑of‑year investments in signage and equipment.

2026 Event Planning

• The board tentatively assigned leads for most events (to be confirmed with calendars):
  • Easter Egg Hunt: two volunteers
  • Movies in the Parking Lot: two volunteers
  • Yoga in the Park: one volunteer (backup)
  • Story Stroll: one volunteer
  • Dormont Dash: one volunteer
  • Trunk or Treat & Movie: one volunteer
  • Street & Music Festival Kids Zone: one volunteer
  • Cookies with Santa: one volunteer
• The board discussed adding adult‑friendly programming, such as a movie night at Hillsdale Park or piggybacking on National Night Out, and exploring author events or painting classes.
• They will look into purchasing longer cables for the movie sound system and acquiring A‑frame signage.
• The board also considered using the rec center for indoor movies on rainy days.

Board Openings

• The board currently has one vacancy and expects a resignation, creating a second opening.
• A volunteer interest form will be created and promoted at events and in the borough newsletter.

Key Outcomes

• The board will order 400–500 hot chocolate packets and coordinate with the church for pre‑made hot chocolate.
• Cookie decorating will use markers and baggies to reduce mess.
• Flyers for the House Decorating Contest will be distributed door‑to‑door.
• The 2026 budget was reviewed and accepted; quarterly reviews will be scheduled.
• Event leads were assigned for most events; final confirmation pending calendar checks.
• Thank‑you notes will be sent to Northwood Church and the high school.
• A volunteer interest form will be created.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM after a motion was seconded and approved.