New passport program is geared toward youth, service

The city of Washougal has launched a program city leaders hope will encourage young people to explore Washougal’s parks.

The new Washougal Parks Passport program is a seasonal initiative geared toward youth. The program invites participants to earn stamps to place in personal passport booklets by attending events and completing hands-on service projects, according to Corinthia Barnhart, the city of Washougal’s parks and cemetery manager.

“It’s a way for the youth to feel empowered and care for nature,” Barnhart said.

The city will hold events on the first Saturday of the month at one of its parks or open spaces, inviting participants to complete a service project, such as litter pickup, planting or weeding; take part in an educational activity, such as a nature walk, presentation or interpretive games; and complete a craft project, such a scavenger hunt, nature art or storytelling.

Participants receive a stamp in their passport booklet after every event and can earn prizes based on their number of stamps.

“The idea is that, not only are we encouraging and fostering stewardship in our youth and teaching them how to care for the environment, but they’re getting more involved in the community, meeting others who have common interests and common goals, and learning more about our local history and native plants and species,” Barnhart said.

The first event was held July 12 at the Washougal Community Garden, where participants pulled weeds, raked dirt, sorted communal spaces, painted rocks provided by the Washougal-based Paint Roller, and viewed plant-themed educational displays made by Girl Scout Troop 45703 members.

“It was wonderful,” Barnhart said. “(Some parents said) they were so excited for this, and that the community’s been looking forward to more family and youth based type of recreational events and programming.”

Barnhart, a mother of two who previously worked as a park ranger before assuming her current role in April, said she’s excited to help bring a program to Washougal that provides children with enjoyable educational opportunities to learn more about their community.

“As a fellow parent who values time outdoors, it means a lot to help roll out a program that encourages families to connect with nature and explore their local parks,” she said. “I’m hopeful this program will continue to grow into something families look forward to each month as a way to engage with their neighbors and parks.”

The next event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 at Reflection Plaza in downtown Washougal, during the Washougal Art and Music Festival. For more information, visit cityofwashougal.us/832/Parks-Passport-Program.

Doug Flanagan: 360-735-4669; [email protected]