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Council orders reengagement with donors and community after Douglas Park court naming backlash
Summary
After multiple community speakers urged recognition of longtime local coaches and criticized proposed branding at Douglas Park, the council voted unanimously to ask staff to reengage with project donors and return with a community outreach plan; staff said court markings will be paused while the process proceeds.
Columbia City Council voted Monday to ask Parks and Recreation staff to reengage with donors and produce a plan for broader public outreach after residents objected to the donor‑driven naming and branding for renovated basketball courts at Douglas Park.
The motion, made by Councilmember Valerie and seconded by the mayor, passed unanimously. Parks Director Gabe Huffington told the council staff will proceed with infrastructure work but pause final court markings—the donor logos and painting that prompted the protests—until the city conducts additional engagement.
"We are very much in line with…
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