The application period for the youth member on Ridgefield Parks Board has been extended to allow the Mayor and Councilmembers time to connect directly with eligible youth about the opportunity. This is the first time Ridgefield has provided an opportunity for youth to serve the community in this capacity, and Council wants to ensure any interested individuals have had ample opportunity to learn about the position and have their questions answered. 

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 PM Monday, April 7. 

Recruitment Announcement

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.
• 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.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Parks Board position, an interested candidate is required to: 

1. Complete the City of Ridgefield Parks Board application: Youth Parks Board Member Application. 
2. Along with the application submit: 
   • A cover letter. 
   • A completed Authorization Form (PDF) signed by a parent or legal guardian

   • A recommendation letter from an adult non-family member. The letter could be from someone like a teacher, coach, scout leader, employer, etc.  

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 PM Monday, April 7. 

Selection Process:

The new member will be selected using the following process:

1. The Mayor and a Parks Board member will review submitted applications to determine who should move forward to an interview. The application review will be done 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.

2. Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview.

3. The new member will be appointed at a City Council meeting. 

For questions about the position or the application process, contact Lee Knottnerus at 360-857-5001 or lee.knottnerus@ridgefieldwa.us. 

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