City of Longview Parks and Recreation Department   www.LongviewParks.com
 
The City acquired its first park in 1939 that was aptly named City Park. From 1939 until 1969 the Park Division was operated by The Department of Public Works. Prior to 1969, with only seven parks consisting of 105 acres, the City didn’t seriously feel that parks were necessary for the well-being and happiness of the citizens. Longview was far behind the national parks average established by the National Recreation and Parks Association.
 
This attitude changed in 1969, and the first Parks and Recreation Director was hired. A $200,000 bond issue also passed, to be used for the development of a new park and an upgrade of the seven existing small municipal parks. Additional bond issues were passed in the late 1970’s and again in 1998, and several state and federal grants were obtained during that time. A subsequent $12.5 million Parks and Recreation bond issue was passed in 2004. The passage of these bond issues has allowed the City to purchase needed park land and to develop and upgrade additional park and athletic sites throughout the community. In 2007, a Capital Improvements Bond Package was passed by voters that included large amounts of improvements to the existing parks system totaling $7,410,000.
 
The City has experienced tremendous growth in both park development and recreational opportunities in the past 35 years. As it approaches its 36th year, the park system includes thirty-two (32) developed parks consisting of over 500 acres and twelve (12) undeveloped parks consisting of 350 acres.