Meet Courtney Mersiowsky: The Busy Bee Behind City Events

Courtney is as busy as you can BEE…. She buzzes around as a new-ish member of the Parks, Recreation and Events (PRE) Team.

Her job is the E part of the title – Courtney Mersiowsky is the Superintendent of Special Events. She has the busy job of coordinating events of all sizes – from the Christmas Parade to 5K’s. If it happens on the City streets or sidewalks, she needs to know about it – and work with you on it!

Courtney’s first weeks were FULL-ON CHRISTMAS PARADE! She started on October 14. Boots on the ground managing the many literal moving parade parts – people, floats, street closures, notices. It’s an unbelievably heavy lift. She was supported by the full expertise of a devoted Parks (PRE) Department and many other City departments, she is the coordinator of the Christmas Chaos. Bonus she came back to work after it was over!

The Special Events Superintendent job engages with many people in the City. As Spring comes along – warmer weather heats up the events schedule, too!

Here are things to know:

ANY activity occurring on the public streets, sidewalks, or any public land – needs a permit. Any event with more than 100 people in a public park – also needs permitting. Information about permits can be found on a very easy to use page – Special Event FAQ Page.

There are some timeline requirements. If your event has less than 1000 people – permits need to be in 60 days in advance to complete the review process.

Planning for more than 1000 – OR any street closures – the process takes 120 days – and a meeting to complete. So pay attention to those deadlines!

The needed details on the application are navigated with the helpful input from public safety (police, sheriff, fire and rescue, fire marshal) as well as several other departments – working in unison to coordinate a complete review of each event.

Upcoming Events for this Spring on the Parks Calendar – include the Fine Arts Show in March (thank you Women’s Club), Earth Day, Marine Corps Historic Half, and a bunch of races, walks and other community fun!

Courtney is happy to be on the PRE Team. She is a very collaborative and capable person. She adores the outdoors, and is eager to help people plug into the Parks. She highly recommends checking out some of the parks you have never experienced before. Here is a list of all the parks – ready, set, discover!