OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — During Thursday night’s City Council Meeting in Oil City, council members approved several requests for the use of city facilities.

Boy Scouts Flag Retirement Ceremony; Oil Heritage Festival Fundraiser

Oil City’s Boy Scout Troop 17 was granted permission to use the grassy area by the rhododendron garden in Hasson Park for their annual Flag Retirement Ceremony.

The event will be held on Wednesday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m. The city will provide gravel for the fire pit, as in previous years.

The troop also requested use of the large pavilion in Hasson Park for their Oil Heritage Festival Pork Chop Dinner fundraiser. This year, they asked for permission to use the facility again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council approved both requests from the Boy Scouts.

55+ Softball League’s 25th Season

The 55+ Softball League requested the use of the Mitchell Avenue fields for its twenty-fifth season of senior softball.

The organization plans on doing field rehabilitations to the extent that their budget allows.

“We are excited to once again collaborate with the City to provide senior softball to the area. It is uncommon to find not only this partnership, but the interest that the sport has generated within fifty miles of Mitchell Field—players travel from as far away as Jefferson County to play,” said Joe Gerzina, 55+ Softball President.

The council approved the request.

Autism Stands Easter Egg Hunt

The council approved a request from Autism Stands, a group founded by Brandy Hinojosa to build awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism.

The group requested the use of the Hasson Park playground area for a special needs Easter egg hunt on March 25, 2023, with a rainy day backup date of March 26, 2023.

Jolly July Jaunt and Dog Dash 5K

The Oil City Arts Council requested permission from the council to hold its second annual Jolly July Jaunt and Dog Dash 5K.

The run will begin at the marina, travel down the bike path for a mile and a half, then turn around and end back at the marina.

Participants are encouraged to run with their four-legged companion in the event. Solo runners are also welcome.

The council had previously tabled discussion on approving the event due to concerns over liability, but Oil City Arts Council Board Member Zach Hollis addressed these concerns, and the council approved the request.