Refuge Park

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Refuge Park is a city park located off of S Hillhurst Rd and S Great Blue Rd. The park surrounds the entrance to the River 'S' unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and has been the site of the Off Leash Dog Park since 2016. The City, with input from the community, City Council, and parks board, has finalized a high-level concept plan for the Refuge Park property which contains the Dog Park, trails and open areas.

Project Background

The Ridgefield Off Leash Dog Park was developed at Refuge Park in 2016. It was initially a temporary project, but has since been made permanent with improvements made in 2020 and 2021.

In the summer of 2021 the City collected public input on possible features for a larger park surrounding the existing dog park. Input was collected online through a survey, an ideas board, and map as well as in person at an engagement event hosted by the Parks Board at the park. This feedback was used to develop three Master Plan Concepts for the park.

In March, 2022 the City collected public input on the three Master Plan Concepts for the park and the Master Plan was finalized with Parks Board and City Council input. The plan calls for a phased approach starting with improvements of the of the dog park including an area for smaller dogs, benches, improved grading, ground cover, and fencing. Click here to view the concept plan document.

In April and May 2023 Phase 1 of the Master Plan, improvements to the dog park, was constructed. The project included the addition of a small dog area, improved drainage of the water fountain, gravel perimeter path, new trees and landscaping, and targeted grading and reseeding.

Next Steps

Over the next several years, staff will be looking at funding opportunities including grants and donations to keep building the park in phases. There is a strong desire to add a restroom, playground, pickleball court, and other accessible and community friendly amenities over time.

Community members wishing to support installment of amenities at Refuge Park are encouraged to learn more through the Clark County Parks Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities include:

  • Picnic Table
  • Lamp Post
  • Bike Rack
  • Water Fountain
  • Trash/Recycling Bin

Plaques on these items may be in memory of a loved one or a positive message, no advertising permitted.

Refuge Park is a city park located off of S Hillhurst Rd and S Great Blue Rd. The park surrounds the entrance to the River 'S' unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and has been the site of the Off Leash Dog Park since 2016. The City, with input from the community, City Council, and parks board, has finalized a high-level concept plan for the Refuge Park property which contains the Dog Park, trails and open areas.

Project Background

The Ridgefield Off Leash Dog Park was developed at Refuge Park in 2016. It was initially a temporary project, but has since been made permanent with improvements made in 2020 and 2021.

In the summer of 2021 the City collected public input on possible features for a larger park surrounding the existing dog park. Input was collected online through a survey, an ideas board, and map as well as in person at an engagement event hosted by the Parks Board at the park. This feedback was used to develop three Master Plan Concepts for the park.

In March, 2022 the City collected public input on the three Master Plan Concepts for the park and the Master Plan was finalized with Parks Board and City Council input. The plan calls for a phased approach starting with improvements of the of the dog park including an area for smaller dogs, benches, improved grading, ground cover, and fencing. Click here to view the concept plan document.

In April and May 2023 Phase 1 of the Master Plan, improvements to the dog park, was constructed. The project included the addition of a small dog area, improved drainage of the water fountain, gravel perimeter path, new trees and landscaping, and targeted grading and reseeding.

Next Steps

Over the next several years, staff will be looking at funding opportunities including grants and donations to keep building the park in phases. There is a strong desire to add a restroom, playground, pickleball court, and other accessible and community friendly amenities over time.

Community members wishing to support installment of amenities at Refuge Park are encouraged to learn more through the Clark County Parks Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities include:

  • Picnic Table
  • Lamp Post
  • Bike Rack
  • Water Fountain
  • Trash/Recycling Bin

Plaques on these items may be in memory of a loved one or a positive message, no advertising permitted.

  • Phase 1 Completed

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    supporting image

    Construction of Phase 1 of the Master Plan, improvements to the existing dog park, began April 24 and is now finished!

    The project included the addition of a small dog area, improved drainage of the water fountain, gravel perimeter path, new trees and landscaping, and targeted grading and reseeding. The new small dog off leash area and the larger all dog off leash area are both fully open and ready for furry friends to visit!

    Join us for a Ribbon Cutting Event celebrating the completion of this phase!

    Wednesday, June 14, 2:00PM
    1035-14285 S Hillhurst Rd
    Parking is limited. No parking on Hillhurst

    Submit for the Small Dog Photo Contest! To celebrate the new small dog area at the dog park we are having a Small Dog Photo Contest. Submit photos of your small dog to events@ridgefieldwa.us by Noon on Tuesday, June 13 to enter (costumes and fun clothing are welcome, but not required). Attendees at the Ribbon Cutting will vote on the winner - contestant presence at the event is encouraged but not required.

    About Refuge Park

    The recently completed work made up Phase 1 of the Master Plan for Refuge Park. You can click here to view the Master Plan.

    Over the next several years, staff will be looking at funding opportunities including grants and donations to keep building the park in phases. There is a strong desire to add a restroom, playground, pickleball court, and other accessible and community friendly amenities over time.


  • Phase 1 Construction Begins April 24

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    Construction of Phase 1, which includes improvements to the existing dog park, will begin April 24 and is expected to take about 60 days. Improvements will include the addition of a small dog area, improved drainage of the water fountain, gravel perimeter path, new trees and landscaping, grading and reseeding. The contractor will be taking all possible efforts to minimize impacts on the dog park, but there will be periods where partial closures are unavoidable. Thank you for your patience during this project.

    • Parking will be limited. A large portion of the parking lot will be used for staging equipment and supplies. Parking on S Hillhurst Rd is prohibited. Please be prepared to adjust your plans if parking is full.
    • Partial Closures: Portions of the park will be closed for reseeding, grading, safety and drainage improvements. Please respect all signage indicating closures.
    • Temporary Smaller Park: The first stage of construction will include adding an area for small dogs. This smaller area will serve as a temporary off leash location for everyone until the main area is reopened.
    • Water Fountain Unavailable During Construction. The water fountain will be reinstalled with improved drainage.

    If you have any questions, please contact Galina Burley, City of Ridgefield Parks Manager, at galina.burley@ridgefieldwa.us or 360-887-6010.

  • Final Master Plan Concept

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    The Master Plan concept (below) was developed utilizing feedback gathered via community survey as well as input from the Parks Board and City Council. Some of the amenities included in the Master Plan are: Dog Park Improvements, Pickle Ball courts, additional parking, community garden, picnic shelter, and a play area.

    The plan calls for a phased approach starting with improvements of the of the dog park including an area for smaller dogs, benches, improved grading, ground cover, and fencing. Click here to view the concept plan in full screen.

    Preferred Concept Plan for Refuge Park showing Dog Par Improvements, 2 Pickle Ball Courts, Asphalt and soft surface trails, a parking area with 34 spaces, a community garden, a play area and restored natural area.

Page last updated: 06 Jul 2023, 10:32 AM