Friends of Brunswick Parks seeking Medina County residents to fill director roles

BRUNSWICK — The Friends of Brunswick Parks is looking for directors to lead the organization in its goal of supporting the city's parks. Parks and Recreation Director Taylor Petkovsek said the city recently had a parks master plan developed, and the consultant recommended the creation of a Friends of Brunswick Parks group. The friends group was registered with Ohio, and a code of regulations was compiled, she said. It is a nonprofit that is separate from the city. "(It) could raise funds to do things in the city of Brunswick's parks that maybe we wouldn't be able to do otherwise," Petkovsek said. "Sometimes accepting donations and having fundraisers within a municipality is a difficult thing to do. (The group) would be an organization that could accept donations, whether it be money or land." Now, directors are being recruited to run the organization. Petkovsek said she can be a member of the group but cannot have a leadership role in it since it would be a conflict of interest. The group is looking for five directors who would start filling office positions like president, secretary and treasurer. Directors must be Medina County residents who preferably have one of the following qualifications: Currently involved in or have prior experience with the administration of public parks or public recreation. A dedication to supporting public parks, facilities and beautification. Prior experience working with Brunswick. Prior experience administering a nonprofit. "The next step is filling those director positions, opening up a bank account, and then we have more paperwork to do," Petkovsek said. "Then, we'll be able to start doing some fundraising, volunteering and connecting the community with the parks." Those who are interested in becoming a director can call (330) 558-6838 or email tpetkovsek@brunswick.oh.us. "I do hope that there are some people that step up and want to donate their time and energy to do something greater," Petkovsek said. The intention is for the friends group and the Park and Recreation Department to work together toward common goals, she said. "The thought process would be that these directors and officers would have access to the master plan to help them understand what the community is looking for," Petkovsek said. "It would give them the flexibility to do things a little differently than we do right now." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.