Title
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AWARD - PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
COUNCIL INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Address Quality of Place Issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Quarterly, the City of Longview Parks and Recreation Department has been recognizing an individual who enhances the quality of life for residents and inspires us every day with their passion and commitment to make Longview a better place to live, work and play. This quarter’s recipient is Ian Thompson from the non-profit Lower Columbia School Gardens.
Together, Ian and his robust program volunteers have helped build thriving organic gardens in 17 Longview and Kelso schools. They provide weekly educational and interactive garden and cooking programs to thousands of kids at the different sites. Ian oversees the planning, development, volunteer coordination, and funding for the program. Ian knows that a successful school garden program can have a direct positive impact on the health and well-being of our community. School gardens directly counteract the obesity and disease trends that are on the rise by getting kids active and excited about growing, cooking, and eating fresh, healthy foods. Lower Columbia School Gardens not only has a positive impact on the students they serve, but as students bring this excitement home and involve their families and friends, our neighborhoods and communities are strengthened.