Parks & Recreation Board endorses community partnerships, supports Lake Sacajawea demo garden, and allocates neighborhood grant funds (Feb 23, 2026)

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. FLAG SALUTE

3. ROLL CALL

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

26-00117 PRAB Draft Minutes 01.26.2026

5. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

6. CONSTITUENT/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

7. OLD BUSINESS

8. NEW BUSINESS

26-00168 A. Neighborhood Heroes - Facility Usage SUMMARY : Representatives from Neighborhood Heroes will present a proposal requesting formal recognition as a partner organization with Parks & Recreation and use of designated space within the Elks Building outside of peak summer programming hours. Neighborhood Heroes is a structured, one-on-one mentorship program modeled after Big Brothers Big Sisters, focused on building character, healthy identity, and future leaders rooted in the community. The program emphasizes youth safety through background screening, mandatory reporting requirements, supervision standards, and liability coverage. The organization proposes to utilize space during non-conflict hours (primarily evenings and select times outside summer peak programming) to provide supervised mentorship programming that aligns with Parks & Recreation standards, policies, and scheduling requirements. The presentation will outline: Program structure and mentor screening processes Community need and supporting data Insurance and liability coverage Proposed timeline (2026–2027) Anticipated benefits to Parks & Recreation and the broader community Measurable outcomes and evaluation metrics This item is for presentation and discussion. The Board may provide feedback and direction regarding potential partnership and facility use. RECOMMENDED ACTION : Motion to recommend that the Parks & Recreation Department explore a partnership agreement with Neighborhood Heroes for facility use, subject to staff review, scheduling availability, and compliance with all City policies and risk management requirements. STAFF CONTACT : Justin Brown, Parks & Recreation Director

26-00173 B. WSU Master Gardener - Lake Sacajawea Demo Garden Proposal SUMMARY : Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners will present a proposal for a demonstration garden at Lake Sacajawea. The proposal outlines the purpose of the garden, proposed location, general design elements, and anticipated partnership involvement. The presentation will also address maintenance expectations, funding considerations, and how the project would be implemented if approved. The Board will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide direction on whether to move forward with the proposal. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Move to support the concept of the Lake Sacajawea Demonstration Garden and direct staff to continue project planning and coordination. STAFF CONTACT : Justin Brown, Parks & Recreation Director

26-00170 C. Neighborhood Park Grant Applications SUMMARY: The Longview Parks & Recreation Neighborhood Park Grant Program provides capital improvement funding to support community-driven enhancements within the City’s park system. The program is open to neighborhood groups, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and City-led initiatives seeking to improve park amenities, accessibility, and overall user experience. The City allocates $25,000 annually for this program, with application cycles typically opening in January and June. If funds remain after external applications are reviewed, an additional internal cycle may be opened for City-led park improvements. At this meeting, the Advisory Board will review submitted applications and have the opportunity to discuss and make a recommendation to City Council to allocate available funding to selected projects. The Board’s recommendations will help ensure grant dollars are directed toward projects that align with community needs, adopted plans, and the long-term vision for Longview’s park system. Applicants: Longview Pickleball Club Longview Youth Soccer Association Longview Youth Baseball RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to allocate the available Neighborhood Park Grant funding to eligible applicants in amounts and proportions as determined by the Board. STAFF CONTACT: Justin Brown, Parks & Recreation Director

26-00171 D. Lake Sacajawea Preservation Plan Update - Martin's Dock SUMMARY: Staff is initiating an update to the Lake Sacajawea Preservation Plan to ensure continued regulatory compliance and alignment with current community needs. The update will support evaluation of proposed improvements to Martin’s Dock, including consideration of a performance shelter, while maintaining the historic and environmental integrity of the park. Staff will present the proposed scope and requested updates at this meeting and seek Board direction on how to proceed. Board members are encouraged to review the current plan in advance at: https://www.mylongview.com/257/Park-Plans . The specific recommended updates will be presented at the meeting and are not being distributed beforehand. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to recommend that staff proceed with updating the Lake Sacajawea Preservation Plan as presented. STAFF CONTACT: Justin Brown, Parks & Recreation Director

9. REPORTS (10 Minutes)

26-00174 A. Parks Maintenence/Urban Forestry Division Report B. Recreation Division Report C. Director's Report (Verbal)

10. ADJOURNMENT