Pieces of Former Jail Preserved for Future Project

The concrete jail structure that was located behind the former police station, and the former police station have been taken down due to the need to install monitoring wells in that area as part of the Park Laundry environmental cleanup, and to provide opportunity to include that space in a coordinated redevelopment plan. The jail’s main door, cell doors, cell bed frames, and wood stove were removed from the building prior to demolition and preserved for a future interpretive or historical center.  

Before making the decision to get rid of the jail, Council reviewed historical maps from the 20th century. They determined that Ridgefield had several jails that moved around town in the early days. This structure was built in 1937 and was deemed unsafe for housing inmates and thus served as storage for approximately the past 40 years. Pieces of the jail were preserved and extensive photo and video taken for a future jail cell recreation. 

The footprints of the structures will be filled with gravel. When the area is not needed for Park Laundry Cleanup Project equipment staging, the fence will be adjusted to allow for free public parking. After the Park Laundry Cleanup Project is complete, the former police station lot will be open for public parking until a redevelopment plan is created with our community.

Upcoming Community Events

Wednesdays & Fridays, July 3-September 4: Musicians in Park

Come to Overlook Park, at the corner of Pioneer St and Main Ave, Wednesdays and Fridays for a music filled lunch hour. Please feel free to bring a picnic lunch or pick up take out from Downtown restaurant. There will be a few benches and picnic tables, but we encourage you to bring your own folding chairs as well. See the schedule.

Wednesdays, July 3-September 4: Meet Me on Wednesdays

Come downtown for a guided walk starting at 10 AM at Overlook Park! Each week will be hosted by a different community member or organization. See the schedule.

Thursday, July 4: Ridgefield 4th of July Celebration

This annual Independence Day event is organized by the Ridgefield 4th of July Committee. Information about the event can be found on their website, Ridgefield4th.com

What you need to know:

• Parade: Parade route can be viewed from 4th Ave and Division down 3rd Ave, to Pioneer and 8th Ave. Chairs may be placed on public right of way along the parade route AFTER 6 PM Wednesday, July 3. Parade will begin at 11 AM July 4.
• Parking: Parking with free shuttle to parade is available at Ridgefield High School and the Ridgefield Waterfront. ADA Parking is available at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center, 510 Pioneer Street.
• Detour Route: Traffic to the Ridgefield waterfront should detour north at the Royle Road roundabout to NW 289th Street and come south on Main Avenue.

Saturday, July 6: Downtown Market and Street Fair

Keep the hometown vibes going with Farmers Market, vendors and a street sale in Downtown Ridgefield. Learn More.

Saturday, August 3: City Days/Day of Festivals

Learn about how your City works at City Days, watch Dragon Boat Races at the Paddle For Life Races, shop the Children's Entrepreneur Market along with the Farmers Market and First Saturday Vendors and attend the Ridgefield Art Association Ridgefield Forest Fair! Learn more

Tuesday, August 6: National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Learn more

Community Events Calendar

Did you know that the City hosts a community calendar on our website where all Ridgefield organizations can submit their events to be shared? Check it out to stay on top of what is happening in Ridgefield.

• View the calendar
• Submit an event to the calendar