Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting Minutes Thursday October 5, 2023  Board Members Present: Frank Marsden, Wesley Branch, Richard Hicks, Owen Landis Sr., Lucy  Godfrey, Vicki. Jones-via phone  Staff Members Present: Paul Magness, Terence Hanley, and Bobbi Heinz  Call To Order: Paul Magness calledi the meeting to order @ 6:30p.m. At this time, Paul informed the board that we would have to find a replacement due to the resignation of Sarah Coleman. The ethics Harford County Parks and Recreation hosted at family event at The Flying Point Park on. July 215t. The event hosted over 500 Attendees and had facepainting, fishing, water slides, an obstacle course bounce house, and a very poplar foam pit. This was the first time this event was held, and the plans  commission concluded that there was a conflict ofi interest.  are to host another next year due to all the positive feedback and success.  There were 2 employees that recently retired with The Parks and Recreation both with County for  numerous years. One was the former Director of Parks and Recreation.  The Southern County Task Force is asking for participants to reach out to groups to gather information  about the challenges being faced with the recreation registration.  The FY25 Budget request is due by October 20,2023, which was discussed at the previous Advisory  Board meeting in detail.  Paul gave an update on the revision of the Ma & Pai trail. The project is currently out for bid. The connection of the trail should begin in the spring and should take approximately 181 months, weather  permitting by the end of 2025.  The applications for the cameras have been submitted to BG&E for the MA & Pai trail from Williams  Street to Tollgate and should have an update within the next couple of months.    The 2023 Parks & Recreation' Work Dayi is going to be held at the Fallston Recreation Complex on October 12. Employees are going to be participating in Ball Diamond maintenance, Playground Inspections, Turf Field Maintenance, and al Workshop on how to start al Pollinator Garden.  Terry gave an update on the Harford County Farm Fair and The Italian Festival which both were a huge  success, and wel look forward to next year.  Paul asked ifa anyone had any questions or topics they would like to discuss. The following were  discussed.  Harford County is one of the largest birding communities. Some oft the following locations would be a great source to educate. Abingdon Woods, Eden Mill, Mariner Point Park and We discussed community gardens. Community gardens are a perfect source to educate high school students. This gives the students ownership and a sense of pride int the community. To How to implement more youth programs. Agood resource would be the 4H Club. Making the Signage along thei trails to educate the community on the history. The vision of possibly  Swan Harbor.  provide produce and vegetables to food banks and kitchens. programs a challenge or competitive may be a draw. having QR tags along the trails was suggested.  The next Advisory Board meeting will be held on Thursday, December 7,2023 at 6:00p.m., at 702 N. Tollgate Road. The topic of the meeting will be Cedar Lane Park. Joe Pfaff, President of the Cedar  Lane Sports Foundation (CLSF) will be attending.  Respectfully: Submitted, Bobbi Heinz Administrative Secretary