The City of Noblesville discussed what today’s reality of special events are – planning for proper permitting and special event safety – at the Indiana Parks and Recreation Conference Wednesday morning in French Lick. The well-attended presentation included five staff members from various city departments that serve on the planning committee of special events to share how they work collaboratively to create memories for the Noblesville community.
“Our city hosts several safe and enjoyable special events throughout the year that take months to plan and execute flawlessly,” Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear said. “It’s an honor for the city to be asked to share its secrets of success to the entire state to help other park agencies create similar events and think of ways to improve their security.”
The “Event Safety – Preparing for Today’s Reality” presentation included Assistant Parks Director Mike Hoffmeister, Recreation Director Nichole Haberlin-Medaris, Noblesville Police Department Sgt. Matt McGovern, Noblesville Fire Department Division Chief Todd Estes, Communications Manager Robert Herrington and Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Shane Booker. Due to overnight weather conditions in Noblesville, chief operators Nick Mosbaugh and Brandon McKinney were unable to attend but a prerecorded interview about the street department’s role in special events was included in their place.
“Our session provided attendees with a different perspective and a broader viewpoint than that of just the parks’ role in community events,” Hoffmeister said. “Our committee collaborates well together and this presentation showed the unique backgrounds that each of us brings to the table and hopefully got others thinking how they can better collaborate and make their events safer for their communities.”
The presentation highlighted the annual Noblesville Street Dance and Fourth of July festivities and its planning, public safety considerations and concerns, emergency action plans, weather planning and response, the use of street barriers and resources available; in addition to the various permitting needs for park events – stage, music, movie, food, alcohol and fireworks.