Sponsoring Events

Hello Neighbors,
At our last meeting, many folks discussed hosting events at the park as a way of getting more legitimate users in there.  There were many ideas thrown around including:

Encouraging the city to plan more events there

Getting together with a non-profit to host an event--even if it has nothing to do with the park

Hosting some kind of neighborhood event

My personal feeling is that the last option is the best.  I feel that getting the neighbors to take ownership in the park will make it safer.  I don't actually care if citizens from Coconino Estates want to come to Bushmaster.  My bigger concern is that people who live in the houses bordering the park don't feel safe there.  I think if we solve that issue, the first issue will resolve itself.  I have envisioned having a neighborhood picnic with things like sack races, water balloon toss, maybe a basketball tournament etc.  Like a big block party for east side residents--concentrating on the greenlaws, but leaving it open.

Another thought I've had would be to have an event that highlights every part of the park.  So have a dog demonstration at the dog park--maybe the frisbee dog groups that sometimes perform at various flag events, then have some kind of skate park thing--maybe a contest, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, a tennis tournament, a horseshoe tournament, and maybe even having a botanist come out and lead little tours on the east side showing people which plants are native and which are invasive.  Or we could have some kind of treasure hunt for kids (although the broken glass makes that not so desirable).  Pair this with a park cleanup event or something like that?

What are your thoughts, neighbors?