Ridgefield Waterfront Prepares For Massive Makeover

The Vancouver Waterfront has been a vibrant community hub since its opening in 2018, and now the Port of Ridgefield is preparing to embark on it’s own long-awaited renovation project that has been in the works for over 25 years.

Location and Historical Significance:

Situated adjacent to Lake River in downtown Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge, this area was once home to the Ridgefield Veeneer Co in the 1950s and Pacific Wood Treating in the early 1960s. These companies played a pivotal role in the town's early development and local economy. However, the use of chemicals on the lumber led to significant environmental impacts. Unfortunately, this left the roughly 40-acre waterfront unusable and unsafe, resulting in its closure to the public for over 100 years.

Collaborative Restoration Efforts:

To restore the area, the Washington Department of Ecology joined forces with the Port of Ridgefield and invested $100 million in testing, cleaning, and re-establishing the waterfront. This restoration project involved an extensive cleanup process, including the use of steam to remove contaminants from the soil. The land was then capped with a fabric barrier and 2 feet of clean soil. Randy Mueller, the CEO of the port, explained in an interview with The Columbian that although it appears to be a grassy field, it is actually a meticulously engineered, artificial construct designed to protect people from pollution and contamination. Over the past two decades, additional infrastructure, such as a new bridge and railroad overpass, has been constructed to enhance accessibility and safety for vehicles and pedestrians traveling between downtown Ridgefield and the waterfront. These developments have significantly increased access to the waterfront and (quite literally) paved the way for the next phase of the redevelopment project.

City Collaboration and Future Prospects:

Ridgefield City Manager Steve Stuart emphasized that public access and enjoyment of the waterfront were clear priorities for residents. The city is working closely with the port to ensure that establishing a public park becomes an early focus of the redevelopment plan. The addition of a public park will be a significant and valuable asset for downtown Ridgefield, and the community eagerly anticipates witnessing its development. To stay updated on the latest news about the Ridgefield Waterfront, follow the Port Of Ridgefield on Facebook and visit their website.

The ongoing revitalization of the Vancouver Waterfront represents a monumental project that promises to transform the area. The collaboration between the Washington Department of Ecology, the Port of Ridgefield, and engaged residents highlights the collective commitment to creating a vibrant and accessible waterfront. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to observe its impact on property values in the surrounding areas

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To look at properties available to purchase within the Ridgefield area, or to talk about how the new waterfront could affect home value in the surrounding areas, give Rowena a call!

Rowena Lusby
(360) 909 - 6399
Rowena@GoWithRo.com