Opinion: Battle Ground working to foster more community involvement

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Parks, gathering places, community events — the makings of an engaged and vibrant community. Results of last year’s Roadmap community survey tell us that these elements are significantly important to you, your well-being and the quality of life in Battle Ground.

We hear you and we agree with you.

The Battle Ground City Council is actively taking steps to enhance and support parks, community engagement, events, and activities. Here is what we’ve been working on and how you can join us in the effort.

Parks & Community Engagement Advisory Board

We have created a new citizen-led advisory group, designed to develop and encourage recreational programming, community engagement, and more community events. Formed from the now-former Park Advisory Board, the group will also play an integral role in parks planning. If you are interested in influencing community engagement through events, activities and recreational programming, please apply to serve on the board through the city’s website.

Harvest Days Task Force

Harvest Days, until this year, was produced and organized by the now-dissolved Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce. In an effort to make sure the event continues this year and into the future, the Battle Ground City Council has formed a Harvest Days Task Force, bringing together individuals and community organizations committed to the work of producing Battle Ground’s premier summer event. The Harvest Days Task Force, established in early 2019, has met several times and is making great strides toward their goal. Participating as a Harvest Days volunteer is a great way to get involved, meet new people and it’s a lot of fun! If you are interested in getting involved, please contact me (mike.dalesandro@cityofbg.org).

Adopt-a-Place and other Volunteer Programs



Battle Ground’s new Adopt-a-Place programs are designed to engage the community in caring for public spaces and gathering places. Organizations, families or individuals may adopt a park or a street. The programs are designed to promote the involvement of the community in the beautification of local parks and streets.

The city recognizes that volunteer opportunities are essential elements in building a stronger, healthier, and more beautiful community. The Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Street programs are a substantial enhancement to the existing volunteer program that includes individual service projects and annual volunteer work party events.

Our 7th Annual Park Appreciation Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 20. The work party is a great way to connect with the community and care for our parks. I hope you will consider joining us at Central Park and Fairgrounds Park.

Youth Sports Roundtable

We recognize the importance of youth sports in our community. We’ve been meeting regularly with local youth sports organizations in an effort to build relationships and share ideas. Discussions have been meaningful and productive; our goal is to lend whatever support we can to these programs that provide so much value to the Battle Ground’s kids and families.

These efforts are not costly or big-ticket budget items. It is an investment of time in our community and we hope you will join us.

{{tncms-inline content="<p class="p1">Mike Dalesandro is the mayor of Battle Ground and has served on the Battle Ground City Council since 2013.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>" id="797fdda9-e3ad-40e9-a53b-30fe94d29d67" style-type="bio" title="Bio Box" type="relcontent"}}