City outlines Stan Headwall Park plan and launches school partnership for civic education

City staff told the Chehalis City Council on Sept. 22 that planning for Stan Headwall Park is advancing and that the parks department is coordinating community input and fundraising for a proposed kickoff event tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

Staff said they plan a community event that could include a concert, food trucks and fireworks and that they have identified potential donors and vendors. They said coordinating fireworks for a widely celebrated holiday in 2026 is challenging because many organizations and jurisdictions will schedule similar events, and staff are pursuing vendors to support the city’s celebration.

Separately, the City Manager described a new partnership with the local school district to develop curriculum and offer facility tours. The program will bring city staff into classrooms to explain city functions — water, wastewater, streets, airport, police and fire — and to provide students tours of municipal facilities. Staff said the effort aims to improve youth understanding of city government, support career awareness, and help recruit seasonal employees from local students.

The items were informational. Staff said additional presentations and specific proposals for the park design and event logistics will come back to the council for review.