Pittsfield Creates a Parks & Rec. Marketing Plan
 |
| Simon Muil was elected chair of the Parks Commission during the meeting |
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— An "abbreviated roadmap" for the future of Pittsfield parks stresses the importance of community engagement and programming that well serves residents.
On Tuesday, the Parks Commission was presented with a 2026 Parks and Recreation plan for programming, community engagement, and marketing. It was created by Jennifer VanBramer, Pittsfield's recreation and special events coordinator.
"It really is sort of an abbreviated roadmap for how we intend to really enhance and bolster what we do," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said.
He explained that when VanBramer stepped into the role, she saw the need for a plan on how the parks operate in the future and seasonally. It then became her charge.
"Our overall goal is to strengthen the Park and Recreation Department outreach and visibility by growing our connection with the community, enhancing our brand presence, and promoting both the programs and events we do, as well as partner-supported events," she said.
"We work with a lot of different organizations who volunteer at our events, and we want to support what they're doing as well."
The 2026 marketing plan is divided into five initiatives: Community engagement at events, seasonal newsletters, promotion of partner programs, branding and staff visibility, and social media presence.
VanBramer said that one way to increase Pittsfield's presence and build relationships is to table at community events. This would allow the city to promote upcoming programs and summer job opportunities such as lifeguards, which have been difficult hire in previous years, and playground program staff.
The recreation and special events coordinator also wants to bring back seasonal email newsletters, starting with a winter 2026 edition.
"We want to continue to actively promote those recreational programs or events that our community partners have in our city parks or are aligned with our mission to help show that we're committed to supporting those groups that make our city parks more active, welcoming, and fun for everyone," she explained.
"Because there might be people out there who might not know that these activities are happening."
The plan suggests investing in T-shirts, sweatshirts, or jackets that identify City of Pittsfield staff at events so they can be available for information or assistance. It also calls for an increased media presence.
The department is primarily on Facebook, with more than 7,000 followers, and would like to increase its following on Instagram. This entails more video reels to add variety to posts and increase followers, using themes like "A Day in the Parks," event recaps, behind-the-scenes parks footage, and highlighting national holidays related to parks and recreation.
In 2026 and beyond, programmatic expansions will be focused on arts and community engagement. A family-friendly chalk art festival is planned at The Common in September, as well as pop-up activities at various city parks when school is not in session.
VanBramer reported that the park's programming may not materialize in this current year, but in the future will help fill the need for supervised activities when kids are not in school.
McGrath clarified that the city's beloved parades, summer playground program, seasonal egg hunt, and holiday events are also a part of the plan and are not going anywhere.
"We're really looking forward to sort of showing you over the coming months and years how we're going to get this done. We have a very proud legacy of providing great spaces and fun things happening in these spaces. Not only stuff we do, but our partners," he said.
"So we've got to highlight our partners, support our partners, and look to do some new stuff in this sort of changing city that we have, and just continue a legacy of the best park and recreation system in Western Mass."
In other news, Simon Muil was elected chair of the Parks Commission during the meeting.
Tags: parks commission,
