A nature-focused park in the heart of Ridgefield is taking shape as city leaders envision a family-friendly park blending trails, wildlife and creative play areas.
A final master plan, outlining desired amenities before its design phase, will be presented for approval by the council before 2025.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Ridgefield City Council discussed priorities for a 15-acre park located between 35th Avenue and Royle Road, just north of Pioneer Street. This future park, nestled in the developing Paradise Pointe Subdivision — a neighborhood featuring 291 homes — will be dedicated to the city once completed by HSR Capital, LLC. The developer is contributing $1.25 million toward the project, half of its estimated final cost.
The area currently features asphalt pathways weaving through the Allen Canyon Creek watershed and connections to nearby Boyse Park. Mayor Ron Onslow emphasized the area’s natural appeal.
“This is a jewel. This is probably the prettiest area in Ridgefield, and it has a lot of avenues that can be enjoyed by a lot of different people,” Onslow said.
Emily Mills, a consultant collaborating with the city, presented a preliminary plan prioritizing expanding its trail system and integrating nature play areas themed around local wildlife. Highlights include two imaginative play zones:
A “beaver den” in the park’s southwest corner, featuring a beaver-shaped play structure with slides, hopping logs and balance beams.
A “bird perch” in the northeast offering bird-shaped climbing equipment, slides and a picnic shelter nearby.
Councilor Katie Favela voiced enthusiasm for these features but raised concerns about the use of metal slides.
“I am not in favor of having a metal slide for small children to play on. I think we should look at another material for that. It could raise too many safety concerns — heating up, small kids getting burned. I remember metal slides when I was a kid, and that’s not fun,” Favela said.
The plan includes a small parking lot on North 13th Street accommodating six vehicles, including one accessible spot. Councilor and former Parks Board President Rian Davis advocated expanding the parking area further.
“I realize the more it grows, the more green space we take away, but I think that we can find a … happy medium for that,” Davis said.
Davis also commended the northwest section’s preservation as a haven for wildlife, including an osprey resting platform and bird-watching areas equipped with educational signage. The presentation included three osprey platforms and “bird blinds,” structures allowing visitors to observe birds and other wildlife up close without disturbing them.
The preliminary plan additionally features two restrooms, one adjacent to each play area, and a pedestrian bridge over Allen Canyon Creek. The City Council will consider the park’s final master plan at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at 510 Pioneer St., Ridgefield.
