After 10 months of planning, the Ridgefield City Council approved an outline of preferred amenities for its conceptual Waterfront Park.
Since January, the city and Port of Ridgefield have collaborated on its jointly-owned Waterfront Park property, which spans roughly 8 acres between downtown Ridgefield and Lake River. The master plan unanimously approved during the Thursday, Oct. 24, City Council meeting serves as a framework and outlines desired amenities for a future design. The final design may change as funding is secured and details are finalized.
In the meantime, contractors working for the Port of Ridgefield will draft a development plan to bring business to a roughly 26-acre property bordering east of the Waterfront Park area. Ridgefield Parks Manager Corey Crownhart said, while port commissioners seek to ensure the master plan’s amenities are in place, the final product may differ based on the outcome of the development. He noted the approval of the park property came first to ensure the port’s plan coincides with the city’s intention.
“As this project is progressing, some of these amenities may be considered to be in different locations within this site based on what that [port] development may look like,” Crownhart said.
The plan separates the park property into an “active” zone for events and a “passive” zone for lax activities.
Under the plan, Division Street would extend eastward toward the south segment of the park. The “active zone,” located near the road, would include an event space that could serve as either an open lawn or a community stage. The plan also proposes adding a pavilion, boat lockers and outdoor showers north of the event space. A new canoe launch with a boat slide, designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities is included in the plan. Additional features include a playground and a potential beach area. A shared parking lot will be situated just north of this zone, south of Division Street.
The “passive zone,” north of the active area, will offer walking paths connecting several viewpoints along Lake River and a lawn area suitable for picnics and games. The plan also designates areas for art installations and preserves the existing trail connecting to Carty Lake, with the possibility of a future trail linking to the wildlife refuge.
Council comments
During a Sept. 16 review of a draft, Mayor Ron Onslow expressed concern that the boat launch may not be accessible under this plan. He noted Division Street and the parking lot are east of the “active zone,” and kayakers would face a longer walk to reach the launch. The final plan approved brings Division Street significantly closer to the boat launch and is further away from the event space. Onslow still noted the final version should ensure seniors do not have to make a long trip from the boat locker to the kayak launch.
Some councilors raised additional questions about the plan’s details. Councilor Matt Cole pointed out that the plan suggests avoiding a permanent structure for the event space in favor of a temporary structure. Chelsea McCann, principal at Walker Macy Architects, explained that community feedback indicated a permanent structure, like the one in Kalama, might obstruct views of the area. She noted the event space could still be a permanent structure down the line if the Council chooses.
Councilor Katie Favela raised concerns that the proposed beach at Waterfront Park might encourage swimming in Lake River and questioned whether the water is safe. Crownhart said that the Department of Health tests the water, indicating it is generally safe for swimming, although algae blooms have been detected in the summer months.
The City Council unanimously approved the plan as presented, with the condition that a water boat storage is included. Crownhart noted that this storage may be located north of the non-motorized boat launch.
