The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on July 2 heard from two applicants seeking appointment to the county's Parks Advisory Committee and directed staff to arrange formal introductions at the advisory committee's next meeting on July 15.

Dr. Krista McGill, who said she lives in Scappoose and works as a business owner, author and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, told the commissioners she applied because she wants to help ensure parks remain accessible and safe for her 4‑year‑old daughter and for children with disabilities. "I am a business owner and, author, and I work within the disability community, primarily advocating, for research for folks with intellectual developmental disabilities," McGill said.

Another applicant identified only as Raven said she serves on the advisory board for Columbia County’s developmental disability program and described family and recreational reasons for applying, including use of McCormick Park for softball and family activities. "Seeing that the parks are accessible to them is really important to me," Raven said.

Why it matters: the Parks Advisory Committee advises county staff and the board on parks planning, maintenance and accessibility; applicants' lived experience and priorities can shape recommendations about playground equipment, pathways and amenities such as restrooms and water fountains.

Details and discussion: commissioners asked both applicants whether they were familiar with the county parks system and whether they had attended advisory meetings; both said their familiarity was limited and that they became aware of the vacancies recently. Commissioners discussed that the county and cities operate different parks (city parks inside city limits, county parks outside) and noted an interest in geographic representation across the county. McGill highlighted Veterans Park and Miller Park in Scappoose as parks she uses with her daughter; Raven emphasized McCormick Park for organized softball and family events. Both applicants praised recent accessibility improvements such as paths added to Campbell Park.

No formal appointment or vote was recorded during the meeting. Instead, commissioners indicated the advisory committee should meet the applicants and asked staff to schedule introductions. County staff confirmed the Parks Advisory Committee's next meeting is July 15 and said they will provide those meeting details to the applicants.

Next steps and context: commissioners and staff said they will present the applicants to the advisory committee for introductions at its July 15 meeting and then return to the board as appropriate. The board reiterated it has two open seats on the Parks Advisory Committee with terms that are midterm.