Highfill Highlights
The Highfill Parks Advisory Committee met on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to review recent community events, discuss park maintenance needs, examine available funds, and plan for the upcoming Holidays in the Park celebration.
National Night Out Draws a Strong Community Turnout
Committee members described National Night Out as a success, estimating that approximately 300–400 people attended. Members praised the event’s activities, entertainment, refreshments, and community participation.
The committee also reviewed the fall tree giveaway, which distributed all 400 available trees. Members discussed opportunities to improve future events and build on the community’s participation.
Holidays in the Park: December 5
The committee began planning for the annual Holidays in the Park celebration on December 5, 2026.
Discussion included:
- Holiday decorations and lighting: Members discussed taking inventory of existing decorations, determining what needs replacement, and identifying additional lighting needs.
- Community activities: Members discussed food, hot chocolate, local business participation, and other activities that could enhance the event.
- Inclusive holiday displays: Members explored adding decorations that recognize a variety of holiday traditions, including Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, so more residents feel represented.
- Event budget: Members reviewed available funds and discussed reserving approximately $1,000 for Santa, the Grinch, and potential event refreshments, while evaluating the remaining funds for lights and decorations.
The committee will continue refining plans and reviewing available resources before finalizing event arrangements.
Park Maintenance and Safety
Members reviewed maintenance needs and identified several areas for further evaluation:
- Replacing damaged or deteriorated electrical receptacle covers.
- Evaluating additional lighting near darker areas of the park, including the walking trail and nearby seating.
- Exploring options for improving electrical access to support future events, vendors, and decorations.
- Considering improvements to areas used by food trucks and other event vehicles.
- Reviewing longer-term options for storing park equipment and seasonal decorations.
Members discussed possible solutions, including additional lighting, underground electrical service, and improvements to walking surfaces. These ideas remain under consideration and will require further evaluation of costs, feasibility, and available resources.
Financial Transparency: Reviewing Park Revenue and Expenses
The committee reviewed park-related financial information to help guide upcoming event and maintenance decisions.
Community Center revenue: The City had budgeted $2,000 in rental revenue for the year and had collected approximately $4,430 at the time of the meeting. Members noted that additional rentals were expected before year-end.
Park impact fees: Approximately $10,080 had been collected in park impact fees. These funds are subject to restrictions and may be used for eligible new park projects, rather than routine expenses for existing facilities. The committee discussed potential opportunities to support future park development.
Community events: Members reviewed the remaining event budget and discussed how to allocate available funds for the December celebration, including holiday decorations, entertainment, and refreshments. They also reviewed how community donations helped offset costs associated with National Night Out.
The committee emphasized the importance of understanding available funding before committing to additional purchases or improvements.
Looking Ahead
The Parks Advisory Committee will continue evaluating maintenance priorities, planning community events, and identifying ways to make Highfill’s parks welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for residents.
The City will share additional information about Holidays in the Park as plans develop.
Stay connected: Residents can follow the City of Highfill’s official website and Facebook page for public meeting information, community announcements, and upcoming events.