City Council Meets Thursday

The Ridgefield City Council is seeking an energetic and organized teen to be the first youth member for the Ridgefield Parks Board. This is a unique and rewarding volunteer opportunity to advocate for youth perspectives, guide the future of our parks, and make a lasting impact on Ridgefield’s parks.

The selected member will serve as a voice for youth in the City of Ridgefield on development and operations of the City’s parks and trails system. In this position, the new member will have an opportunity to:

• Engage with Parks Board members, Parks and Recreation staff, community leaders and City residents to build a park system that is inclusive of Ridgefield’s youth.
• Prepare for, attend and participate in Parks Board meetings by voicing opinions, asking questions and voting on parks issues.
• Identify issues, ideas and concerns important to youth on parks planning and design, parks operations and maintenance and engaging more youth in the city park system.
• Gain experience in leadership, business etiquette, community service and park operations.
• Contribute to the work of the Parks Board and make a positive difference for youth in the City of Ridgefield.
• Serve your community and make a lasting impact.

About Parks Board

The Parks Board is comprised of seven members, six adult and one youth, who advise the City Council on parks planning, parks acquisition, operations, and maintenance within the current and future city limits of Ridgefield.

For more information about the Parks Board, including links to meeting agendas and minutes, visit the Parks Board webpage.

Time Commitment:

• The first Youth Parks Board member will serve a partial term through September 30, 2026.
• Regular attendance at meetings at 6:30 PM on the second Wednesday of each month.
• Approximate 4-6 hours per month for training, learning and preparation for meetings.
• Active involvement in the Ridgefield community.

Qualifications:

• Live within the Ridgefield city limits. If you are not sure if you are within city limits, please check by visiting the Clark County Property Information Center. Search your home address, then look at the Jurisdiction listed under Administrative Data.
• Have the desire to make a positive difference for youth and represent youth opinions and ideas on the City’s parks and trails system.
• Age 14-17 at time of appointment: March 13, 2025.

How to Apply:

A youth member will be selected and appointed by City Council through an application and interview process including the following:

1. Complete the City of Ridgefield Parks Board application, including a cover letter.
2. The Mayor and a Parks Board member will review submitted applications using a blind hiring process. All applications will be reviewed without access to personal information such as names or contact information to ensure that qualifications and skills are the sole basis for consideration.
3. The new member will be appointed at a City Council meeting on Thursday, March 13. 

The application is submitted online, Youth Parks Board Member Application. All applications must be received no later than 4:30PM on February 26, 2025.

For questions about the position or the application process, contact Julie Ferriss, City Clerk at 360-887-3557 or city.clerk@ridgefieldwa.us

Board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.

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