Battle Ground Launches Community Survey: McConnell Park Master Plan, Until Aug. 22 - 08/11/25

The City of Battle Ground is launching an exciting opportunity for residents to help shape the future of McConnell Park, a 2-acre community park located at 918 NW 25th Avenue.  As part of a new master planning process, the City is seeking feedback from the community on creative ideas, preferences, and vision for future park improvements.

The McConnell Park Master Plan is a visionary process to guide long-term enhancements in the park, helping prioritize amenities, layout, and use over time.

At this early stage, no specific changes have been made; instead, the City wants to know how patrons use this park, and what potential amenities could be added, such as:

• Increased playground features, including ADA accessible amenities or themed design;
• A nature-inspired playscape for kids, seating nooks, and art;
• A small fitness or outdoor sports features; or
• A flexible event space suitable for community gatherings.

The City has allocated $75,000 in park impact fees to fund the preliminary engineering phase of the project, allowing the City to begin site assessments, early design work, and cost assessments of future park improvements.  Community feedback, alongside guidance from the Parks & Community Engagement Advisory Board and final review by the City Council, will inform design ideas and investment strategies. The plan will lay the groundwork for future improvements while staff seek to secure funding for future construction.

Your voice is critical to creating a park that serves the whole community—from parents and children to seniors, artists, athletes, and nature-lovers. Even if improvements aren’t imminent, your early involvement ensures that the master plan aligns with the park’s potential and the community’s priorities.

The community survey for this project is open now through August 22, 2025. 

Further information about the project as well as a link to the online survey is available at  www.cityofbg.org/McConnell-Park-Improvements.  To receive and submit a paper copy of the survey, residents can visit the customer service desk in City Hall, located at 109 SW 1st Street, open 9:00am – 5:00pm (Mon, Wed, Fri) and 8:00am – 1:00pm (Tue, Thur).

Battle Ground Police Seek Public’s Assistance In Identifying Vehicle And Occupants (Photo) - 08/10/25

The Battle Ground Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the occupants of the silver minivan involved in a suspicious situation that occurred on August 2, 2025.

The event occurred at approximately 8:58 p.m., two white males, both believed to be between 16 and 20 years of age, were observed driving a silver minivan in the area of the 1300 block of NE 12th Avenue.

According to witness statements, the two male suspects pulled alongside two young juveniles who were walking in the area and verbally attempted to persuade them to enter the van. The juveniles reported that the suspects may have been armed. The van then fled the area, and the juveniles immediately went home and reported the incident to a parent, who contacted police.

At this time, it is unclear whether the suspects’ intent was a prank, an attempt to frighten the victims, or something more serious. Officers are seeking to identify and speak with the two individuals to determine the circumstances of the encounter.

The vehicle is described as a silver minivan, possibly a 2008–2015 Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey. The victims recalled that the vehicle’s license plate may have contained the number “7,” though no further details are available.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Battle Ground Police Officer Ray Figuracion at (360) 342-5200, reference case #25-1161.