Sponsorships “went fairly well” for Parks & Rec’s 2023 activities
ST. MARYS - The Jan. 31 deadline for businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor programs, events, and other activities offered by the City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Department has come and gone, with City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Department Director Danielle Schneider indicating that, for the most part, sponsorships went fairly well for the year.
The Jan. 31 deadline was put in place due to the planning involved with many of the events so that Schneider and her staff would have an idea of what funding would be available to make everything possible.
According to Schneider, the annual Inner Park Day for community youngsters was the first event to be fully sponsored for the year. Schneider also cited two other events that she was particularly excited to see generate sponsorships.
“We have most of our Movies in the Park sponsored except two of them,” Schneider said. “Both of our Free Swim Fridays were sponsored, so I’m really excited to be able to advertise for something like that.”
The Free Swim Fridays will be held on June 16 and July 21, weather permitting, with sponsors covering the entrance fee for all non-members who visit the pool between noon and 4 p.m.
Additionally, Schneider shared that a large donation was made toward the Playland Rehabilitation Project as well.
However, there were also a pair of events that Schneider thought would generate more interest from sponsors.
“I’m a little bummed that our Junior Police Boot Camp and National Night Out were not fully sponsored, as it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Schneider said. “However, we are in the process of seeking
funding elsewhere, and I'm pretty optimistic about it. I think it's going to be a great collaboration between us and the first responders and police department. Chief Nicklas has been awesome about partnering for these two programs and coming up with ideas for them.”
As for what will happen to other programs that were not fully sponsored, Schneider remarked that it is tough to say at the moment.
“We will do everything we possibly can to make sure everything is able to follow through this year. So really, it's up in the air. I'm working to seek funding elsewhere and work within the confines of our operating budget as well,” Schneider said.
While the initial deadline for sponsorships has passed, Schneider stressed that it is never too late for someone to get involved with sponsoring one of their events.
“I'll continue to take sponsorships all year long if that's what it takes to hold the programs and events that we want to do,” Schneider said. “We understand that times are tough, and so if a business or individual was unable to sponsor this year (even though they sponsored last year), we totally get it. We're just grateful for the continued support.”
Those interested in learning more about the programs, events, and activities the City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Department hopes to offer this year and where sponsorship funds are still needed can do so by viewing the 2023 Sponsorship Guide on the department's website, https://stmarys. recdesk.com/.
Schneider also plans to publish an activity guide next month that will detail all the department plans to offer for the entire year.
“It will be available online and mass emailed to everyone who has an account with us,” Schneider said. “I plan on publishing it in March. There will be some things in there that do not have dates set, but we are working on them.”
Looking at the plans for the year, Schneider shared that she is excited about what the City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation Department will be offering for the community.
“I swear, each year I get more excited about what is to come,” Schneider said. “I feel more confident as the years go on with what we are hoping to accomplish and am so excited to see the support from everyone,” Schneider said. “We want to try new things and complete bigger projects so that we can continue to grow in the direction we have our minds set on.”
Schneider also expressed her appreciation to all those who have already committed to being sponsors for this year's activities.
“The programs, events, and projects that we have set for this year are going to be amazing,” Schnider said. “My team has been hard at work over the last few months in prepping to get everything in order and planned out.”