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Roseburg proclaims Juneteenth and Parks & Recreation Month; residents urge more inclusion and a sports-complex proposal
Summary
Council read Juneteenth and Parks and Recreation Month proclamations; local speakers urged city partnership on racial‑equity programming and proposed turf/light upgrades at Sunshine Park to host tournaments and support recovery communities.
The Roseburg City Council read two proclamations and heard public comments urging action on inclusion and park investment.
Acting on behalf of Mayor Larry Rich, Councilmember David Moore read a Juneteenth Independence Day proclamation recognizing the 1865 Galveston announcement and calling June 19, 2024, Juneteenth Independence Day for the City of Roseburg. Moore then introduced a Parks and Recreation Month proclamation declaring June 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month for the city.
During public comment, Celia VanderVelden described personal experiences of discrimination after returning to Roseburg and said she is "president of a nonprofit that is going to focus on integration, education, and representation within Douglas County," urging the city to partner on programs to combat racial slurs and bias in schools. She told the council the proclamation "actually means a lot to my heart."
Jesse Spain, who said he moved to Roseburg three years ago to develop treatment programs, urged the council to consider a proposal to install turf and lights at Sunshine Park to create a sports complex. Spain said a sponsor is willing to finance turf and lighting, and described potential economic benefits: weekend tournament fees and vendor income that could boost hotels, restaurants and local businesses. He asked whether it would be appropriate to submit a written proposal to the council and staff replied they would connect him with staff to get started.
The items were presented as ceremonial matters; no formal action was required on the proclamations. Councilmembers thanked speakers and staff for the presentations and noted interest in working with community groups moving forward.
