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Berlin Parks Commission BRIEFS

The Berlin Parks Commission discussed the following items during a public meeting at Town Hall on Feb. 2.
Summer Movie Nights
For the second straight month, the commission talked about the upcoming Summer Movie Nights series, which it will host with the Berlin Arts and Entertainment District committee.
A request for proposals for vendors will be issued this month, and the group compiled a list of films it will show in 2016.
“Runaway Bride” and “Tuck Everlasting” will bookend the six planned screenings, and the public will be allowed to vote on the remaining four films. The commission also considered letting nonprofit groups sell refreshments during the events.
A special event request will likely be brought to the Berlin Mayor and Council in March.
 
Clean-Up Day
The committee planned for two related parks events, Clean-Up Day on April 16 and Take Pride in Berlin Week, April 16-23.
Town Administrator Laura Allen suggested cleanup day focus on “tidying up” the former Tyson’s Chicken plant, which the town recently purchased and plans to turn into a public park and recreation complex. Allen said the goal was to have the property available for “passive use” by the end of spring.
Others on the commission said there was a need for trees and shrubs in Berlin, and suggested the emphasis be on planting. The “Edible Forest” project, a collaboration between Stephen Decatur High School and Assateague Coastal Trust, could be tied into the events. Students are working to grow edible plants at Stephen Decatur Park, and could begin planting in April.
Just Walk
After a successful fall event, the commission began planning a spring follow-up to Just Walk, set for May 7. Previously, it had been an annual event.
Set in Stephen Decatur Park, Administrative Services Director Mary Bohlen said she was working on a longer route. A health fair component, popular during the fall event, will also return, with the Worcester County Health Department and Atlantic General Hospital being likely partners.
The commission also suggested offering several prizes during Just Walk, including a Fit Bit.
Youth club
Last month, the Berlin Youth Club took 17 local children on a field trip to the Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke. Organizer Amanda Chaffee said the kids especially enjoyed a presentation about the various kinds of animal droppings.
“That really fired them up,” she said. “We have a ton of boys.”
The children also went to Subway while in Pocomoke, and the store donated sodas and chips to the club.
On Jan. 15, the Berlin Youth Club held a movie night, with 13 children attending to watch “The Sandlot.” Next, on Feb. 27, the club will visit Wallops Island.
Chaffee noted that the recent “Taco Wars,” hosted by Guido’s Burritos in Ocean City, benefited the club. The town of Berlin also supports the youth group, which is part of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.