A guest attendee, Greg, proposed a plan to promote Southwick as a recreational destination by installing weatherproof signs equipped with QR codes at strategic locations, including Granville Gorge, the Bing areas, and various bike trails. Drawing inspiration from a successful model in Adams, Massachusetts, these signs would link to a dedicated website detailing local attractions, dining options, and events.

Greg detailed the logistics of integrating these signs into existing kiosks and highlighted the advantage of QR codes that direct users to a webpage that can be updated without altering the code. This feature would ensure that information remains current, covering aspects like trail conditions and dining hours. He also pointed out the substantial traffic on the existing website and expressed a desire to increase it further by involving other committees such as the Conservation Commission and Parks and Recreation.

Commission members engaged with Greg’s proposal. They expressed interest in the idea of placing consistent signs at highlighted locations like Granville Gorge. Questions about the functionality of QR codes were raised, to which Greg clarified that the codes would lead users to specific pages that could be modified as necessary.

In addition to the signage initiative, the commission reviewed the “Dine Southwick” project, aimed at promoting local restaurants through similar QR-coded signs. Volunteer availability was also discussed extensively, with some members indicating uncertainty about who was available for morning and afternoon shifts. The need for adequate volunteer representation at various locations during events was highlighted.

The topic of volunteer recruitment and orientation was another focal point, with plans to organize an orientation session scheduled for August 10 at 10 AM. Efforts to recruit more volunteers were discussed, including utilizing Facebook for outreach. Concerns were raised about the coverage of various locations, particularly Second Eden, which lacked sufficient volunteer support. Parking logistics at Second Eden were a point of concern, with suggestions to use traffic cones to manage flow and additional signage for detours due to road closures.

The commission also discussed the logistics for the upcoming Open Farm Day, emphasizing the need for effective communication and documentation. Each participating farm will have a clipboard to collect data on visitors, including a system to record the number of guests and how they heard about the event. This data collection approach aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of promotional efforts.

Materials for the event were reviewed, with each participant set to receive a bag containing a clipboard, stickers, a safety vest for parking volunteers, and a “passport” for farm visits. The commission noted that they had secured $1,250 from sponsors, which would be allocated to various needs, including advertising. Social media engagement was reported to be strong, with almost 300 RSVPs on the Facebook page for the event.

Accessibility and mobility issues were also addressed, with concerns about parking arrangements for individuals with mobility challenges. The necessity of designated handicapped parking spots was emphasized, along with the importance of clear signage to avoid confusion. Volunteers would be trained to manage parking effectively, and visual signs would be created to designate these spots.

The commission considered the practicality of having portable restrooms available and directing visitors to nearby businesses if necessary. The importance of accommodations for handicapped visitors was stressed, with plans to print temporary signs for handicapped parking and ensure volunteers are aware of these spots.

As the meeting progressed, further logistics for the event were discussed, including the need for a lead volunteer at each location to relay information and manage activities. The commission also touched upon future initiatives, such as creating a Southwick Farm trail map and integrating a mobile-friendly platform for easier user engagement.