Highfill Highlights

The Highfill Parks Advisory Committee met on Monday, September 22, 2025, to organize leadership roles and upcoming community events. During the meeting, members selected a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to guide the committee’s work. In addition, responsibilities were designated among members for planning and coordinating specific events, ensuring a collaborative approach to enhancing Highfill’s parks and recreational opportunities.

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Public Comment

At the recent Highfill Parks Advisory Committee meeting, Christian Goff with Pulse Community Agency shared updates and offered support for upcoming community events.

• Pulse designed a banner for the Fall Festival and will email it to committee members for review and feedback before printing.
• Christian noted the banner could be adjusted as needed and that Pulse would cover media promotion and provide assistance where helpful.
• He also suggested possible updates for Trunk or Treat, including helping with graphics, signage, and business coordination.
• Businesses such as Chevrolet have already shown interest in participating, with plans to bring cars filled with candy for families.
• Pulse will help ensure local businesses are informed about logistics like parking and participation details.

The committee thanked Christian and Pulse Community Agency for their ongoing partnership and support in making Highfill’s community events a success!

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Highlights and Key Decisions

HPAC Leadership Selections

The Highfill Parks Advisory Commitee had some discussions as members worked through nominations for leadership roles. After some back-and-forth (and a late arrival just in time!), the committee successfully elected its officers:

• Chairperson – Gina was nominated and approved to serve as HPAC Chairperson.
• Vice Chairperson – Brittany was nominated and approved to serve as HPAC Vice Chairperson.

Both expressed their commitment, excitement (and a little bit of nerves!) about stepping into their new roles and fellow committee members voiced their support as the group moves forward in planning events and projects to enhance Highfill’s parks and community gatherings.

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New HPAC Member Recommended

During the meeting, the Highfill Parks Advisory Committee discussed filling an open seat on the board. While no formal applications had been returned, Council Member Matthew Summitt, who previously served on the Highfill Planning Commission, expressed interest in serving.

After a brief introduction, the committee voted unanimously to recommend him for appointment. His recommendation will now move forward to the City Council for official approval.

The committee welcomed Matthew’s experience and willingness to serve, and looks forward to his contributions in planning and supporting community events and park improvements.

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Planning City Events

The Highfill Parks Advisory Committee reviewed and assigned responsibilities for upcoming community events:

• National Night Out (October 7th) – Cameron Wolfe and Brittany Scraper-Evans will lead planning and coordination.
• Fall Tree Giveaway (October 17th) – Cameron Wolfe and Brittany Scraper-Evans will oversee the event.
• Trunk or Treat (October 25th, 3–5 p.m.) – Cameron Wolfe and Jascy Hamilton-Brown will coordinate activities. Assistance will also be provided by Pulse Community Agency.
• Fall Festival – HPAC members will organize the event with support from Pulse Community Agency for banners, media promotion, graphics, signage, and the photo booth. Event responsibilities are assigned as follows:
  • Taco Eating Contest – Gina Harper (Sponsored by El Pueblito and Pulse Community Agency)
  • Cake Walk – Matthew Summitt
  • Photo Booth – Gina Harper and Pulse Community Agency
  • Inflatables – Jascy Hamilton-Brown
  • Food Trucks – Brittany Scraper-Evans
  • Pumpkin Decorating Station – Jascy Hamilton-Brown
  • Face Painting – Gina Harper
  • Pie Eating Contest – Brittany Scraper-Evans
  • Lawn Games – Jascy Hamilton-Brown
  • Vendors – Gina Harper
• Christmas in the Park – Committee members are finalizing plans for Santa, the Grinch, hot cocoa and hot dogs, cookie donations, and holiday light displays. Outreach to local vendors and lighting providers is ongoing to ensure the event runs smoothly.

The committee emphasized collaboration and communication to ensure all events provide safe, fun, and memorable experiences for the Highfill community.

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Next HPAC Meeting – Rescheduled

The Highfill Parks Advisory Committee discussed rescheduling the next meeting originally planned for October 21, 2025. Due to several members being unavailable on that date, the committee agreed to move the meeting to Monday, October 6, 2025. This rescheduling ensures all members can attend and allows updates on upcoming events prior to National Night Out (October 7th), the Fall Tree Giveaway (October 17th), and Trunk or Treat (October 25th).

The motion to reschedule was made, seconded, and unanimously approved by the committee.

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Committee Discussion

Chairperson Gina Harper asked the committee if they had any items they would like to discuss. Committee Member Cameron Wolfe brought forward several items regarding National Night Out and the city’s donation process.

National Night Out Updates

• DJ & Mobile Dump Company: Secured and donated services by Mr. Westhart.
• Game & Fish Commission: Awaiting confirmation to bring the life tank.
• Inflatables: Contact information still needed.
• Fire Department: Will provide an engine and possibly a rescue vehicle.
• Mercy: Contacted about helicopter; awaiting response.
• Tables & Chairs: Community building resources will be used, as in previous years.
• Arkansas Department of Forestry: Scott will attend.
• AT&T: Scheduled to provide a table, pinwheel, and prizes.
• Committee Roles: Members will generally walk around and assist as needed; event largely “self-policing.”
• Supplies: Glow sticks and small items for children have been secured by Chief Webb.
• Donation Letter: Committee Member Cameron Wolfe requested copies of the donation letters to provide to vendors for securing food donations for the National Night Out event.

Donations & Funding Discussion

• Proposal to create a centralized “Friends of the City of Highfill” donation account to streamline donations for city events, rather than separate accounts for police, fire, or Parks Committee.
• Account would be independent of municipal funds, overseen by the Parks Committee.
• Could include modern methods like a Venmo QR code for easy contributions.
• Legal setup may cost $1,500–$2,000; some lawyers may provide pro bono assistance for 501(c)(3) or similar organizations.
• Potential contacts for legal assistance: Williams Law Firm (Jay or Joel Williams); Joel will be available at the planning meeting, Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
• Goal: Efficient, secure, and consolidated donation management for the city’s events and programs.

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Remainder of 2025 Events and Meetings

Meetings:

City Council Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., while Planning Commission Meetings take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Additionally, a Special City Council Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24th at 6:00 p.m., and the Highfill Parks Advisory Committee (HPAC) will meet on Monday, October 6th at 6:00 p.m.

Events:

Limit of two trees per Highfill utility bill. Available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

From festivals to family fun, see what’s happening in Highfill this year – visit our City Events & Activities page!

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Thank you for staying up to date with the latest from the Highfill Parks Advisory Committee. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and appreciate your continued support in making our community a great place to live!

It’s My Town!