THE MARIPOSA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT SPONSORED ITS FIRST MOVIE NIGHT LAST MAY. IT IS NOW PURCHASING A SCREEN TO MAKE THE EVENTS ON-GOING. GAZETTE PHOTO BY JILL BALLINGER Lights, camera, action. That will likely be the call once summer rolls around in Mariposa County. The board of supervisors approved the purchase of a giant, blow-up movie screen to be used by parks and recreation.

The board approved the expenditure of $12,000 of Proposition 40 funds to purchase an outdoor movie screen and necessary related equipment. The parks and recreation department already knows just how successful a movie night can be.

On May 30, 2009, the department screened a Disney film in the town park, and it was a huge success. Hundreds of people brought blankets and lawn chairs and enjoyed a summer evening on the green with their families.

There are not a lot of opprtunities for inexpensive, family entertainment in Mariposa. The parks department knows that and wants to fill that void. With the newly-heated pool, there are many more opportunities for family nights in the park with the new movie screen.

Parks and Recreation Manager Shannon Hansen is thrilled by the board’s approval and by the opportunities the purchase of the screen presents. “It was such a suc- cessful event the first time,” Hansen said. “We’re already thinking about expansion.”

Hansen said the screen will not just be used in Mariposa, but will travel to Cathey’s Valley, Coulterville and El Portal. She envisions things like teaming up with Sal’s Night in El Portal and hosting theme parties to match the movies. The screen could also be used for events like Sober Grad Night.

The division is brainstorming the many possibilities for using the 20 by 15 foot movie screen to bring people together. Hansen believes it will draw local people, but will also be attractive to tourists who are looking for something to do on warm, summer evenings.

Supervisor Janet Bibby commented on the purchase. “It’s a good thing,” she said. “Especially for a town without a movie theater. This is a fantastic asset that can be utilized by all.”

Hansen thinks this acquisition is just part of the overall improvement in services Parks and Recreation delivers. “We’re moving up,” she said of her division. “I think we’re doing a lot, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

The first movie will be shown on May 22 at dusk in the Mariposa Park. Hansen said they will screen “A Night at the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian.”