Leslie's Masterpiece
EXT. PAWNEE PARKS DEPARTMENT - MORNING
Leslie stands in front of a gigantic canvas, with some paint splattered on her face.
LESLIE:
(Excitedly) And behold, my fellow Pawneeans, I present to you...my masterpiece! (Unveils the 'Masterpiece')
Wide shot of a painting with all Parks Department characters.
INT. PAWNEE PARKS DEPARTMENT - MORNING
Ron, Tom, April, Andy, Ben, and Jerry (known as Larry) are in the office. The camera makes a quick cut every time someone speaks.
RON: (With his usual deadpan expression)
That's a painting.
TOM: (Looking at his phone)
I look great. As always.
APRIL: (Sarcastically)
Really captures my inner sunshine and happiness.
ANDY: (Excited like a child)
Burt Macklin! And his alien space dog!
BEN: (With a small smile)
I have to admit, you really put a lot of effort into that, Leslie.
JERRY: (Smiling generously)
Good work, Leslie. Those classes I took with you really paid off.
LESLIE:
Thank you, everyone. I have been working on this for months. Now it's time to get it displayed right in the front of City Hall!
INT. PAWNEE CITY HALL - MORNING
Everyone is gathered in the lobby, where Leslie has organized a small event to reveal her masterpiece to the public. The Pawnee Sun reporter SHAUNA MALWAE-TWEEP is present to cover the event.
SHAUNA MALWAE-TWEEP:
So, Leslie, what made you decide to create this piece?
LESLIE:
Well, Shauna, Pawnee is an ever-evolving city, and the Parks Department is always working tirelessly to create spaces and events for our citizens to enjoy. I felt it was finally time that our department received the recognition it deserved.
SHAUNA MALWAE-TWEEP: (Impressed)
Well, it's certainly an ... interesting depiction of the Parks Department team.
INT. JAMM'S OFFICE - MORNING
Councilman JAMM, the antagonist of the Parks Department, hears the commotion and sneaks out to see what's going on.
JAMM: (Arrogantly)
Oh, if it isn't Little Miss Pawnee wasting taxpayer money on this... painting. I bet the people will just love this.
LESLIE: (Defensively)
Actually, Councilman Jamm, I paid for all the materials personally, and I worked on this canvas in my own free time, so there is no tax money being wasted here.
JAMM: (Scheming)
Very well, Knope. But let's see if your little art project actually boosts the Parks Department's public image.
INT. PAWNEE PARKS DEPARTMENT - DAY
The office mood is cheerful, and Leslie excitedly goes over their schedule for unveiling her masterpiece at City Hall later that evening.
LESLIE:
Okay team, we have one shot at making this event a smashing success. Everything needs to be perfect!
APRIL:
(Rolling her eyes) Are we really doing this? (Fake enthusiasm) Yay, art...
LESLIE: (Bubbling with excitement)
I know, right? Dreams really do come true!
TO BE CONTINUED
Pawnee Pride Day
INT. PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE - DAY
LESLIE KNOPE, the Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Department, stands in front of a table filled with colorful brochures and banners.
LESLIE:
Guys, it's the most wonderful time of the year! Pawnee Pride Day, where we celebrate everything that defines our great city!
TOM HAVERFORD, APRIL LUDGATE, ANDY DWYER, RON SWANSON, and others gather around the table, staring at the festive decorations.
TOM:
You mean free food, overly enthusiastic people, and people dressed as corn on the cob?
APRIL:
Don't forget the rabid raccoons!
ANDY:
Oh man, I forgot about the raccoon petting zoo last year. How's your hand, Ron?
RON SWANSON:
Still functional, with one less finger to suffer through handshakes.
LESLIE:
Alright, everyone, this year we're going bigger and better! We'll have more booths, more events, and more fun!
RON:
And more raccoons, I presume.
EXT. PAWNEE PARK - DAY
The Parks and Recreation staff sets up for the Pride Day celebration. TOM sets up a booth for his new business idea, Rent-a-Swag, while APRIL and ANDY chase each other with water balloons.
RON sits on a bench, carving something out of wood with a pocketknife. ANN PERKINS, a nurse and Leslie's best friend, joins him.
ANN:
What are you making, Ron?
RON:
Nothing. I just needed an activity that would keep people from talking to me.
BEN WYATT, the city budget expert and Leslie's boyfriend, approaches LESLIE.
BEN:
Hey, Leslie, are you sure we can afford all these additions to Pride Day?
LESLIE:
Ben, don't worry. I've checked the budget, and I have it all under control.
BEN:
Alright, if you say so.
LESLIE:
Now, go help Andy and April set up the main stage.
The Pride Day celebration begins, and the people of Pawnee are enjoying the festivities. Suddenly, a loud bang is heard, and a generator powering the event breaks down.
LESLIE:
Oh no! What happened?!
BEN:
The generator can't handle all the added events. We need to cut back or get another one!
TO BE CONTINUED
The Great Pawnee Bake Off
INT. PAWNEE CITY HALL - PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE - DAY
Leslie Knope (enthusiastically): Attention everyone! I have an exciting announcement to make! We will be organizing The Great Pawnee Bake Off and everyone here will be a part of it!
Tom Haverford (intrigued): Bake Off? Are we talking about cookies? Cupcakes? Donuts? Sign me up!
April Ludgate (sarcastic): Great, just what I need -- another opportunity to show off my non-existent baking skills.
Ron Swanson (indifferent): Will there be meats?
Leslie (smiling): Of course, Ron! It wouldn't be Pawnee without a MEAT category!
Andy Dwyer (excited): Dude, Ron, we should totally be a team! Meat masters!
Ron (nodding): I agree, Dwyer!
Ann Perkins (supportive): I think this is a great idea, Leslie! Who'll be the judges?
Leslie (proud): Well, since we all love sweets and treats so much, we're all going to be judges!
Donna Meagle (smirking): Well, this will be interesting.
INT. PAWNEE COMMUNITY CENTER - KITCHEN - DAY
Everyone starts preparing their dishes for the competition.
Tom (bragging): There's no way anyone can beat my 'Tommy's Treats' -- a perfect blend of style and deliciousness!
April (talking to Andy): What if we bake a cake that looks like a bunny so Ron thinks it's meat?
Andy (laughing): April, you're a genius!
Leslie (struggling with dough, whispering to herself): You've been training for this your whole life, Leslie.
Ann (comforting): Need some help, Les?
Leslie (determined): No, thank you. I've got this!
Ron quietly sneakily stuffs chunks of cooked bacon into the dough, grinning.
EXT. PAWNEE PARK - DAY
The competition is set up outdoors. Picnic tables display the confections, while several local citizens gather in anticipation.
Jerry Gergich (triumphant): Behold, my Pawnee Paw Puffs -- puff pastry filled with apricot jam!
Everyone groans in disappointment, except for Jerry, who remains oblivious to their reactions.
Tom (impressed with his own creation): Behold, the Tower of Tom - an assortment of fancy miniature desserts, each inspired by one of my business ventures.
INT. PAWNEE CITY HALL OFFICE - DAY
A delivery man interrupts Chris Traeger with a mysterious package.
Chris Traeger (confused): Interesting... I wasn't expecting a package today.
Chris opens the package revealing a note that grabs his attention. He quickly leaves the office to find Leslie.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Pawnee Pet Parade
INT. PAWNEE PARKS DEPARTMENT - DAY
LESLIE KNOPE sits at her desk, going through a stack of papers, while TOM HAVERFORD stands nearby, eyebrow raised, looking at his phone.
LESLIE
(giddy)
I can’t believe it, the mayor approved our proposal! We’re going to host the first-ever Pawnee Pet Parade!
TOM
(excited)
This is gonna be epic! April and Andy’s dog, Champion, is gonna win all the awards!
The camera pans to APRIL LUDGATE, who smirks at Tom's comment. RON SWANSON look up from his newspaper, interested.
RON
(serious)
If Champion’s entering, I’ll also enter my dog, Bark Swanson. He’ll beat that three-legged mutt.
ANDY DWYER storms in, visibly offended by Ron's comment.
ANDY
(outraged)
Ron, that’s not cool! Champion is a super dog!
RON
(grinning)
May the best dog win.
Ron tips his coffee cup towards Andy, challenging him.
LESLIE
(holding up her hand)
Okay, okay, everyone! I love a little friendly competition -- but let's remember, this parade is about celebrating all of the lovable pets of Pawnee, not just our own.
ANN PERKINS walks in, holding a cup of coffee.
ANN
(smiling)
Leslie, your enthusiasm for this town is incredible.
LESLIE
(winks)
That's why I'm the Deputy Director.
EXT. PAWNEE TOWN SQUARE - DAY
The Parks Department team is busy setting up for the parade. JERRY GERGICH struggles with a banner as APRIL LUDGATE and DONNA MEAGLE watch.
APRIL
(mumbling)
This is so boring.
DONNA
(sincere)
Agreed. But seeing Jerry mess up is mildly entertaining.
The camera cuts to Jerry who accidentally gets wrapped up in the banner. Everyone just watches and chuckles.
LESLIE
(probably too excited)
Okay, everyone! The parade is about to start! Let's get this show on the road!
INT. REGISTRATION TENT - CONTINUOUS
RON and ANDY, along with other Pawnee residents, are lining up to register their pets for the parade.
RON
(to Andy)
Regardless of the outcome, may the best dog win.
ANDY
(grinning)
Deal.
RON
(deliberately)
And remember, no hard feelings.
RON and ANDY shake hands, with a sense of dignity and competition in the air.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Great Pawnee Bake-Off
INT. PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE - MORNING
Leslie (Amy Poehler), Tom (Aziz Ansari), and Jerry (Jim O'Heir) huddle around a whiteboard with a variety of bake sale ideas.
LESLIE
Alright, team! As you know, we're hosting the first ever Great Pawnee Bake-Off to raise money for the new community garden.
TOM
I still think we should call it 'The Great Swanson Sugar-Avoidance Challenge.'
LES(interupting)SLIE
Tom, we agreed not to bring that up again.
JERRY
I'm just excited about the bake-off, you guys. I've got my grandma's secret cookie recipe ready to go!
LESLIE
That's the spirit, Jerry! Now, let's get to work on the logistics.
INT. PARKS DEPARTMENT MEETING ROOM - TOM AND APRIL
Tom and April (Aubrey Plaza) are sitting at Tom's desk, which is covered in a variety of cooking magazines.
APRIL
(recalcitrant) I don't know why I have to be here.
TOM
Because, April, you're my trusted assistant and I need your help brainstorming! This bake-off is going to be the hottest event of the year, and I'm going to win it.
APRIL
Well, this sounds like an absolute blast.
INT. RON SWANSON'S OFFICE
Ron (Nick Offerman) is at his desk, carving a wooden spoon. Leslie enters with excitement.
LESLIE
Ron! You simply must participate in the Great Pawnee Bake-Off!
RON
(avoiding eye contact) No, thank you.
LESLIE
Oh, come on! It's for a good cause, and besides, it'll be fun!
RON
I do not bake, Leslie. I whittle, I hunt, and I work with my hands, but I do not bake.
INT. PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE - DAY - ANN PERKINS WALKING IN
LESLIE
(whispering) And I need your help on this one. Operation: 'Swanson's Secret Bakery Skills' is a go!
ANN PERKINS
(with a smile) Alright, Leslie. You can count on me.
INT. PARKS DEPARTMENT - DAY - BEN AND CHRIS DISCUSSING THE BAKE OFF
BEN WYATT
(determined) Chris, I am going to win this bake-off. I have the perfect calzone recipe.
CHRIS TRAEGER
(excited) Well, Ben, may the best baked treat win! As a health-conscious individual, I'll be creating a high-protein, low-carb, gluten-free dessert.
BEN
(sarcastically) Yeah, good luck with that.
TO BE CONTINUED
Parks and Recreation: Murals and Madness
INT. PAWNEE CITY HALL - DAY
LESLIE KNOPE, excited as usual, is holding a stack of papers and presenting her latest project to the team. Everyone else in the Parks department is gathered around her.
LESLIE
...and that is why we need to update Pawnee's City Hall murals!
TOM HAVERFORD
Leslie, don't you think people have better things to do than look at murals?
LESLIE
(slightly offended)
Murals are a crucial part of Pawnee's history, Tom!
APRIL LUDGATE
(sarcastic)
Oh, you mean like that one where it's just two dogs getting married?
ANDY DWYER
(whispers to April)
I actually really like that one.
ANN PERKINS
As a former nurse at the city infirmary, I definitely think we need to update that one of the smallpox outbreak.
RON SWANSON
(folding his arms)
Why fix what isn't broken? Art is derived from imperfection.
LESLIE
Come on, team. It's time we make a change. Let's take a vote. All in favor of updating the murals?
Everyone but Ron raises their hand. Leslie beams at her small victory.
LESLIE (CONT'D)
Great! Our first task is to find artists within our community. So go forth, Parks team, and find those artists!
Everyone leaves in different directions.
EXT. PAWNEE PARK - DAY
LESLIE and ANN PERKINS are scouting local talent at a community art fair.
LESLIE
(mutters to herself)
There has to be one perfect artist out there.
ANN
What about him?
She points to a MYSTERIOUS MAN painting a majestic eagle on a canvas.
LESLIE
That's it! Let's go talk to him.
INT. PAWNEE PARK RECREATION CENTER - DAY
Tom and Andy are browsing through the indoor portion of the art fair.
TOM
We should make this mural about something people actually care about, like fashion or technology.
ANDY
Or superheroes fighting zombies!
TOM
(smirks)
I'd watch that movie.
EXT. PARK BENCH - DAY
April is sitting alone on a park bench, ignoring her task completely, when a GOTH TEEN sketching trees catches her eye.
APRIL
(surprised)
Goth and artsy? This could work.
INT. CITY HALL - RON'S OFFICE - DAY
Ron is in his office, carving a new piece of wooden furniture. A KNOCK is heard from the door.
LESLIE (O.S.)
Ron, we found the perfect artist!
Ron rolls his eyes and continues carving.
RON
(muttering)
I guess I have no choice.
TO BE CONTINUED
Parks and Recreation: Ice Cream Social
INT. PARKS DEPARTMENT OFFICE - DAY
LESLIE ('LE', excited): Everybody, listen up! We are hosting the annual Pawnee Ice Cream Social this weekend!
TOM ('TO', enthusiastic): Can I create a VIP lounge and invite local celebrities?
LESLIE: When you say VIP lounge, do you mean a velvet rope in a corner with a sign that says VIP?
TOM (grinning): That's the one!
LESLIE (laughing): Sure, Tom!
APRIL ('AP', sarcastic): Great, another excuse to eat sugar and pretend to care about the community.
RON ('RO', indifferent): I am only attending if the ice cream is served on top of bacon and whiskey.
ANN ('AN', supportive): That could be arranged, Ron. Leslie, how can I help?
LESLIE (serious): Ann, this is important. I need you to create a survey to find out Pawnee's favorite flavors!
ANN: You got it!
LESLIE: Okay, everyone, let's make this the best Ice Cream Social Pawnee has ever seen!
INT. PAWNEE CITY HALL - DAY
LESLIE walks over to BEN (BE) who's busy working by his office door.
LESLIE: Ben, are you in for the Ice Cream Social this weekend?
BEN: Of course, but I have to draft the budget proposal first. Ice cream is a great motivator.
LESLIE (flirty): Maybe after we can have our own personal ice cream social?
BEN (smiling): I'd like that!
INT. SURVEY BOOTH - DAY
ANN and CHRIS ('CH') are handing out surveys in the city hall lobby while JERRY ('JE') helps.
CHRIS (energetic): Remember, participants, rate the importance of ice cream in your life on a scale from one to ten!
JERRY (sadly): I'm lactose intolerant.
CHRIS (sympathetic): We'll get you a soy-based option, Jerry!
INT. PARKS DEPARTMENT OFFICE - DAY
TOM and DONNA ('DO') are brainstorming the VIP section.
TOM: We need red carpets and paparazzi!
DONNA: Treat yo' self.
APRIL and ANDY ('AD') are on the phones inviting local businesses.
APRIL: Hi, this is April Ludgate from the Parks Department. Please bring free ice cream to the event, or else...
ANDY: Is that how you ask for donations?
APRIL: It's efficient.
TO BE CONTINUED
Pawnee Pride
INT. PAWNEE PARKS AND REC DEPARTMENT - DAY
The Parks and Recreation Department is bustling with activity. Leslie is at her desk, explaining the day's agenda to the team.
LESLIE
Alright, people! The annual Pawnee Pride Festival is just days away, which means it's all hands on deck!
TOM
(to Ann) The Pride Festival always ends with everyone dancing in our custom-designed rainbow sweatpants.
LESLIE
Tom designed the first-ever Pawnee Pride pants! Okay, let's get to the schedule. Ann, Ron, Jerry, you guys will be in charge of setting up the festival booths.
JERRY
Excited to help, Leslie!
APRIL
Booths are cool, I guess. But do we get to build a guillotine?
ANDY
April, you say that every year...
RON
I'll gladly build anything that is not a guillotine.
LESLIE
Moving on! Tom, Donna, and April, you'll be managing vendor relations.
TOM
Couldn't think of a better way to spend my day.
LESLIE
And Andy, you'll be our Pride Festival Ambassador. You'll be performing with Mouse Rat!
ANDY
We're adding a new song to our setlist: 'Swanson's Lament.' It still needs Ron's approval...
Ian walks in, looking sweaty and panicked.
IAN
Leslie! The neighboring Eagleton has a similar event on the same day!
Everyone gasps.
LESLIE
Well, we can't have that! Ron, organize a meeting with the Eagleton Parks and Rec team ASAP.
RON
With pleasure. I've been meaning to confront them about their trees encroaching on our park.
Ann walks in, accidentally hitting Ian and knocking his glasses off.
ANN
Sorry, Ian! I didn't see you there.
LESLIE
Let's use this surprise as a chance to make the Pawnee Pride Festival bigger and better than ever! We'll show Eagleton what Pawnee Pride really means!
The camera pans to each team member, who nods with enthusiasm.
TO BE CONTINUED
Pawnee Crisis
INT. PARKS DEPARTMENT - MORNING
Leslie Knope (Leslie) stands in front of Tom, Ann, Ron, April, Andy, and Ben. Everyone sips coffee and listens intently.
Leslie: Listen up, everyone. I just got off the phone with Mayor Gunderson. We've got a crisis on our hands!
Tom (half-jokingly): What, did Biggie Smalls return from the dead and do a surprise concert?
Leslie (serious): No, Tom. We have an issue involving the new park we were opening. Last night, there was a sinkhole incident. Luckily, no one was hurt, but it's a big mess.
Ron (dryly): Why don't we just fill it with cement and go about our day?
Leslie (with determination): No, Ron. That's not how we do things here. We're going to fix it, and we're going to fix it the right way.
INT. CITY HALL - MORNING
Leslie and Ben walk through the halls, whilst discussing ways to solve the sinkhole issue.
Ben: So, Leslie, how are we going to handle the sinkhole? Is there a plan?
Leslie: Right now, I just need to talk to Jean-Ralphio to see if his dad's construction company can help us out.
Ben (doubtful): Do you think that's a good idea?
Leslie (determined): We don't have much choice, Ben. This needs to be solved immediately. Plus, it will give April and Andy something to do for a change.
INT. PARKS DEPARTMENT – ANDY AND APRIL’S OFFICE
Andy and April sit at their desks, doodling and seemingly doing nothing important.
Leslie (bursting in): April, Andy! I need you two to go with Jean-Ralphio and assess the damage at the park. Let me know the moment you get there.
April (sighs): Fine.
Andy (cheerful): Sweet. I always wanted to be a sinkhole investigator.
CUT TO:
EXT. SINKHOLE – DAY
Andy, April, and Jean-Ralphio stand at the edge of the sinkhole, which is now roped off for safety.
April: How did this even happen?
Jean-Ralphio (shrugs): Your guess is as good as mine. But hey, we can use my dad's construction equipment for free. Pretty cool, right?
Andy (excited): This is going to be awesome! I've always wanted to play with a jackhammer.
April: I could think of a million better things to do with my life.
TO BE CONTINUED...
