John, Riverfront Park staff, told the Park Board the park hosted a string of seasonal events and new programs, reported grant and fee‑waiver partnerships, described a recent job fair and noted an Avista safety project to add fencing along hazardous river edges.

Staff highlighted Fall Fest, which included performances, a pumpkin carving contest with 40 entries, a pumpkin patch (children 12 and under received free pumpkins donated by Charlie’s Produce) and a donation drive for the Martin Luther King food bank that raised about $680 in on‑site donations. Two new events—Skate the Pavilion (estimated 300–400 participants) and Spokecake (about 100 participants)—were noted; Skate the Pavilion had received a fee grant waiver. Staff also reported three sold‑out Sip & Soar gondola events that grossed “slightly over $18,000” in total for the series.

John said the National Carousel Association presented a plaque recognizing the city for preservation and operation of the Looff Carousel. Staff also staged an on‑site job fair that generated at least eight hires to help staffing for the upcoming ice season.

On river safety, John said Avista will install fencing on its own funding to limit access to a dangerous undercurrent area in the 4‑bay; work was expected to begin within about a month and will include fencing on both the south and north edges of the park adjacent to the river.

Looking ahead, staff listed events scheduled in October: the Great Pumpkin Race (a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels), the Walk to End Alzheimer’s (about 634 registered at report time), a Spoke Candy Crawl scavenger‑style activity, ghost tours and a final concert for the season on Oct. 19.

Board members thanked staff for the report and praised programming that draws families and out‑of‑town visitors. No board action was taken on these operational items.