Hoops.
Rufus “Doc” Broadus stated he had worked for the Parks and Recreation Department for
a number of years, agreed with Scotty Williams in that it was not about the names on the
court but rather the program, which had been established in conjunction with the Police
Department to give kids something to do and to keep a finger on the pulse of the
community, and the renovations that had been promised 20 years ago along with a
transparent process for those renovations.
Anthony Johnson, who was born and raised in Columbia, reiterated a group of men, which
included Rufus and Scotty, meant a lot to the community, felt this had been a learning
experience for everyone, and believed they should move forward now with a better
process that involved everyone.
James Gray, 1525 Affirm Drive, commented that many people made Douglass Park what
it was today, including Tracy Edwards who was a First Ward Ambassador and assisted
with various issues at all times, and suggested Midnight Hoops be started up again with
a better facility in the future to continue that work.
Alphia Hightower, a representative of Fun City Youth Academy, indicated that what
struck her about the Douglass Park basketball court improvements was the feeling of
disrespect or dismissal by many for not being a part of the process, believed everything
had been done correctly but the process had still missed a lot of people due to
communication issues, felt naming things specific to Douglass Park and areas rooted in
heritage, history, and legacy needed better processes, understood this was not a closed
deal as the Parks and Recreation Department staff and the donors were open to
conversations and engagement, and noted she looked forward to seeing this project get
the engagement it deserved.
D’Markus Thomas-Brown, a representative of the Columbia Chapter of the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference, read a statement indicating they understood many in
the historic black community of Columbia felt unheard and disregarded, feared results
similar to those that had taken place through urban renewal decades ago, believed the
University of Missouri had not built an adequate bridge to the historic black community,
and suggested the Parks and Recreation Department, the University of Missouri, and the
Veterans United Foundation reach out to those that had put their blood, sweat, and tears
in the Douglass Park community to remedy this disconnect.
Ruth Williamson stated her support to the opposition to the 504 lawsuit as it was
important to her and her friends.
The Council and staff discussed various topics to include concerns with the process
associated with the Douglass Park improvement project involving the basketball courts.
Council Member Carroll made
a motion for staff to reengage with the project
donors on the topic of the currently unnamed court and to report back to the
Council with a plan for reengaging with the public. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Meyer. After discussion, the motion was approved unanimously
by roll call vote with Council Member Waterman, Council Member Peters, Mayor
Buffaloe, Council Member Carroll, Council Member Meyer, Council Member
Lovelady, and Council Member Foster voting yes.
The Council and staff continued to discuss various topics including public restrooms in
the downtown area, appreciation for the comment of Anthony Johnson indicating the
Douglass Park improvement project had been a learning process for everyone, ensuring
the renovations to Douglass Park were not delayed, clarifying the pause on the electric
transmission line project was to obtain updated cost estimates, appreciation for Fire