Public Spaces Initiative Meeting Notes

P U B L I C S P A C E S I N I T I A T I V E

O U R M I S S I O N

To develop and facilitate the creation of public park, art, and community spaces throughout the village of Red Hook

Agenda

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks

   • Acknowledge Steve's contributions as Village Board liaison.

   • New trustees are sworn in on 3/28, may take a few weeks for a new liaison to be assigned.

2. RHCC Seed Exchange

Discussion Points:

• Update on Winter Sowing Class (March 1, 11 AM–1 PM):

• Event was a success, quite a few people showed up and all enjoyed the planting.

Follow-Up Actions:

• Plan to do similar event for fall planting

• Winter Sowing event next year as well

3. High School Outreach

Discussion Points:

• Engaging National Honor Society students to fulfill volunteering requirements.

• Coordinating with local high school contacts for outreach.

Follow-Up Actions:

• No update this week.

• Look to expand PSI volunteers and members to help with reach out items.

4. PSI Budget Submission

Discussion Points:

• PSI has budget for this year

• Items to budget for:

  • a. Hello Blooms event (June): Raffle prize, pots, potting soil, labels.

  • b. Pumpkins in the Park (October): Supplies.

  • c. Extension hose for pollinator garden.

  • d. Tablecloths for events.

  • e. PSI T-shirts.

  • f. Pollinator Garden plants for Village garden

  • g. PSI name tags (check with Jen Cavanaugh for badge options).

Follow-Up Actions:

• Confirm amount of budget

• Susan to check on table banner and logo possibilities

• Follow up on PSI logo for T Shirts

5. Hello Blooms event

Discussion Points

• Date selection – Partner with Rotary club to have space at Appleblossom event, May 10th

• Plant give away, seed potting, painting station

Follow up Actions

• Reach out to Rotary for Appleblossom participation

• Define activities to be present at PSI space

• Volunteer communication

6. Miscellaneous Topics

Discussion Points:

• Review of survey results (180 submissions shared with the Village).

• Exploring walking tour initiative showcasing Red Hook’s history (RHCC’s transformation over the years).

• Address potential conflicts between seed exchange and local businesses. Wanted to just be aware for future, no issues currently.

• Review mission statement(Stated at top of Agenda/Notes) Determine if it needs to be redefined

• Partner with Alex and Library on pollinator garden and pathway area

• Items for consideration from Brent

  1. https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2023/09/25/how-creativeplacemaking-enhances-sense-place

  2. https://www.ncfp.org/knowledge/effective-family-philanthropythe-mortimer-mimi-levitt-foundation/

Follow-Up Actions:

• Discuss survey feedback with Village officials.

• Develop a plan for promoting the walking tour.

• Reach out to Alex for garden planting and participation

• Reach out to Mayor to determine when Abraham’s task force will meet again and what the next steps are

  1. More foot traffic through park has been observed, could be a good identifier of how the park needs to be designed.