Meeting minutes from first Race Street Pier Peers get together
Race Street Pier Peers General Membership Meeting June 30, 2011
I. Welcome, introductions, context
II. Ways Peers can help
III. What do you think? Comments and Questions for DRWC
IV. Programming committee report
V. Communications committee report
VI. Event announcements and next meeting date (Sept)
Welcome & introductions
Tammy Leigh from PHS quickly reviewed the roles of PHS (community organizing), Penn Praxis (Bridget Keegan, additional community organizing), DRWC ( Sarah Thorp & Keeya Branson‐Davis, land owners and management), and the community (neighborhood input and community based programming).
Ways Peers can help
DRWC Expectations of Friends Group
1. Eyes and Ears ‐ Report anything wrong
i. Plants dying or dead, vandalism, illicit use (no item is too small to report)
ii. Contact Keeya Branson‐Davis with any security issues, she is the DRWC appointed community liaison
2. Programming
a. There is a high volume of request for private events. ALL are being turned down at this point until DRWC better understands the limitations of the park and the overall nature of requests
b. There is potential in the future to close down half the pier for a private event
c. Events by the Peers must be vetted through the DRWC.
3. Getting the Word Out
a. The Peers can help with communications, Events, Face Book, webpage, twitter, etc/
b. Messaging should be consistent and vetted through DRWC, as they are ultimately responsible for the site. Laurie Heinerichs is the contact for clearing ideas in order to avoid mixed messaging.
This year is a soft opening for the DRWC. Trying to understand how this space will be used, and any unique needs it will have.
Security guards are posted 24 hours a day, but cannot handle maintenance concerns. (Report them to Keeya as POC). The suggestion of posting an emergency number was brought up, DRWC will look into it. There is no first aid (guards not certified and uncertified first aid can become a liability) however the idea of a life preserver will be looked into.
Keeya is working on guidelines for events. Along with understanding the usage of the park there are certain parameters around unions, insurance, etc. that need to be considered
Programming Report: August First Friday
1. The idea of staggering the time of the event to catch some of the after‐party was brought up. If the Old City first Friday wraps up around 9, perhaps it makes sense to begin the park event around 8/9 pm
2. There is also a jazz party at penns landing that night until 9pm, increased foot traffic is expected
3. The Friends could pass out invite “tickets” during the 1st Friday event to get people there or mark the sidewalk with chalk footprints
Communications Report: August First Friday
1. The idea of a Banner came up for the Friends group. Since there is not yet a logo DRWC requests that the banner be text only. Can use the graphic image of the bridge as used on previous RSP Peers communications
2. Face book page up and postings are regular
3. Bridget from Penn Praxis twitters on behalf of the Peers. Well followed and lots of images are posted of people taking pictures of themselves on the pier. DRWC offered that perhaps their interns can tweet
4. Technically Philly in‐kind donation 5 hrs a week for July (20 hours total) to create a page that aggregates all of the online social media into one page. Can act as a place holder page until DRWC revamps their website (after which RSP will have its own page within the website)
Event Announcements
Park Pride Volunteer Day/Cleanup Day schedule was announced by DRWC
1. 2nd and 4th Mondays during July Aug and September
2. Contact Keeya to RSVP or for more info
Washington Avenue Green is holding a sail boat tour of the riverfront and invites the RSP peers. Cost is $10 per person. July 9th is full but seats are available July 16th. RSVP to Mary Stumpf if interested. marstum@gmail.com
Next Gen Membership Meeting will be 2nd Thurs in Sept location TBD
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