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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.
Thank you for participating in this Master Plan Concept Survey. This community feedback, as well as feedback from the City Council and Parks Board, was used to develop the final concept master plan.
Below, view the results from the survey and feedback from the City Council and Parks Board. Concept A was the preferred alternative with a high preference for adding a Community Garden, Dog Park Improvements, and Dispersed picnic areas. This information may also be viewed in the April 28 City Council presentation in the Documents section.
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This survey was conducted June 2021-August 2021. Your responses and those collected at the Parks Board Engagement event were used to develop the three concept master plans for the Park.
Below you may view the results of the ranking of features. Walking Trails, Playground, and Picnic Shelter were the highest ranked features.
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Page last updated: 06 Jul 2023, 10:32 AM
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Level of Engagement
Project Timeline
Dog Park Opened - 2016
Refuge Park has finished this stage
Ridgefield's roughly 2-acre off-leash dog park opened in the fall of 2016.
Dog Park Improvements - 2020/2021
Refuge Park has finished this stage
In response to the decision to make the dog park permanent, the City completed several improvements. These included a trail adjacent to Hillhurst, a watering station, a bike rack, and stormwater management facilities.
Refuge Park Desired Features Outreach - June 2021
Refuge Park has finished this stage
Public input was gathered on potential features of a future larger park around the existing dog park.
Review Outreach & Determine Next Steps - Fall 2021
Refuge Park has finished this stage
The Parks Board reviewed feedback from the survey, map, and ideas tool and identified features for Master Plan development.
Develop Master Plan Concepts - January 2022
Refuge Park has finished this stage
The consultant used feedback from the public, Parks Board and Council to come up with Master Plan concepts.
Collect Feedback on Master Plan Concepts - March 2022
Refuge Park has finished this stage
Feedback on the three Master Plan Concepts was collected from Parks Board, City Council, and the public.
Finalize High-Level Concept Plan for Refuge Park - April 2022
Refuge Park has finished this stage
Develop a high-level concept plan for Refuge Park using input from the community, City Council, and Parks Board.
Complete Phase 1 Design - Summer 2022
Refuge Park has finished this stage
Phase 1 of Refuge Park will include improvements to the dog park including an area for smaller dogs, benches, improved grading, ground cover, and fencing.
Phase 1 Construction: Dog Park Improvements - 2023
Refuge Park has finished this stage
Construction of Phase 1 - Dog Park Improvements begins April 24.
Apply for Grants and Seek Funding for Future Phases - Ongoing
Refuge Park is currently at this stage
Staff are actively looking for funding opportunities including grants and donations to keep building the park in phases.