City considers movie nights

The City of Shelton is considering screening family-friendly films Friday nights this summer in Kneeland Park.

The cost for showing movies under the stars was the focus of a work session the Shelton City Council conducted April 26.

Jordanne Krumpols, recreation coordinator of the city’s parks and recreation department, said the city could present the movies on Fridays from July 8 through Aug. 12. The screenings could “piggyback” on the Thursday Music in the Park concerts staged by the Skookum Rotary Club July 7 through Aug. 11, she said.

Council member Diedre Peterson said she likes the concept of pairing the events.

“There’s something to do, Thursdays and Fridays, all summer long,” she said.

The screen, projector and speaker system costs about $11,000, said Mark Ziegler, director of the city’s parks and recreation department. It costs $600 to $700 to license each film for viewing, Crumpols said.

Mayor Eric Onisko suggested local businesses could sponsor a movie night.

Council member Kathy McDowell called the proposal “awesome,” but added, “It’s just the cost that makes me a little nervous.”

Council member James Boad agreed.

“I’m not a huge fan, not for that cost,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Joe Schmit said he believes the city’s parks are “underutilized,” and movie nights would showcase Kneeland. Food trucks could offer their goods, he said.

“It gets people out of the house and out into the community,” he said.

If the city can’t find the money this year, it could put it in the 2023 budget, suggested council member Miguel Gutierrez.

“People are COVID crazy,” he said. “We want to get outside.”

City Manager Jeff Niten said he will examine the city’s funding options.

The purchase could be placed on the city’s supplemental budget, he said.

The city will need to look at parking, and keep in mind the businesses across the street, Niten said.

“If we could get 200 to 500 people, that would be amazing,” he said.