We Heart Berlin pitches projects

The non-profit Weeg logs on to the Planning Commission on three fronts

Author: Greg Ellison

(January 20, 2022) We Heart Berlin CEO Tony Weeg discussed three proposals in a virtual meeting with the Park Commission last Tuesday.

At the top of the list was Weeg’s idea of ​​“Love Day” as an annual celebration. Attention was introduced last year as a community event in Henry Park.

Deputy Mayor Mary Bohlen said if the Park Commission votes in favor of the proposal, Weeg could send a request to add “Love Day” to the city’s calendar.

“What support from city services would be needed?” he said.

Weeg said support comparable to the inaugural meeting would be needed.

“We already had a police presence and public works were on hand,” he said.

In general, the event would focus on art, music and, of course, basketball, Weeg said.

“Why is it changing and how are we developing it, I’m not really sure,” he said. “This is going to be a day of dancing, having fun and food.”

Bohlen said the art festival on Flower Street has been discussed before.

“We talked about organizing an art festival last year, but the timing wasn’t right and we couldn’t get it together,” he said. “Are you interested in combining it or watching two separate events?”

Weeg said Love Day would be part of a broader concept.

“Personally, I want to see the Flower Street Festival, which is more than just ‘Love Day,'” he said. “” Love Day “is part of what’s going to happen.”

To this end, Weeg has developed strategies with Shaneka Nichols, a member of the council, and Ivy Wells, director of economic and community development, on plans for the Flower Street party.

The Park Committee voted unanimously in favor of establishing a “Love Day” as a continuing tradition.

“Besides, it has to go to the mayor and the council,” he said.

Bohlen encouraged Weeg to continue making plans with Nichols and Wells.

“Put together a proposal for one or more events in Henry Park,” he said.

The details of the event and the proposed dates would also need clarification, Bohlen said.

Jimmy Charles, director of public works, said crews are available to help with installation and debris removal.

“The bathrooms are ready and cleaned,” he said.

Bouncing off table tennis, Weeg asked what should be done to install a ping pong attraction in Burbage Park.

“We’d like to call it‘ tables at Burbage Park, ’” he said.

In addition to a pair of tables, the pocket park plan proposed by Weeg includes double-brick walls measuring 25 feet x 18 inches.

Weeg also suggested installing two brick slabs under each ping pong table instead of a concrete pavement.

“I think a brick pillow would actually look better aesthetically and be more fun to play with,” he said. “It would also fit the wall.”

Long-term maintenance was one of the concerns mentioned by Bohlen.

“There are porous concrete and impermeable surfaces that could be used, which could be better in the long run,” he said.

Weeg pointed out that the non-profit organization had already purchased the ping pong tables, and despite the design options, made efforts to continue.

“What are the next steps to get the shovels to the ground and start the process?” he said.

Bohlen said city staff should discuss the matter.

“We’ll get in touch with you and start moving sooner or later,” he said.

Weeg was pleased with the news.

“I’ve talked enough with people and their paddles are ready,” he said.

Long-term plans for a skate park were We Heart Berlin’s last initiative on the agenda.

“The reality is that we’ve raised money with amazing donations over the last two weeks,” he said.

With the cash register now up to date, Weeg said the goal is to contract with a design firm to implement the vision.

“I’m here tonight and I ask, what are the steps to determine the physical condition of the city?” he said.

While understanding the project schedule can take several years, the organizers are willing to fund a feasibility study.

Bohlen said the group could bring the feasibility study back to the city or wait for the mayor and council to submit a call for proposals.

While the previous option could save time, there is no guarantee that the city will accept the selected locations or design details.

“We haven’t done this before, so we’re also finding a way,” he said.