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Ridgefield proclaims June Great Outdoors Month and Pride Month; organizers outline events and outreach
Summary
Mayor Matt Cole issued proclamations declaring June 2026 as Great Outdoors Month and Pride Month. Representatives from the Lower Columbia Nature Network and the Queer Youth Resource Center highlighted upcoming events including the Big Paddle Festival and encouraged community participation and inclusion.
Mayor Matt Cole read two proclamations at the Ridgefield City Council meeting on May 28 declaring June 2026 as Great Outdoors Month and Pride Month.
In the Great Outdoors Month presentation, Jane Tester Kleiner, program manager for the Lower Columbia Nature Network, accepted the proclamation and described a regional calendar of roughly 250 events — from adaptive sports to family hikes — that connect communities to nature. She encouraged residents to attend National Trails Day activities and the 15th annual Big Paddle Festival on June 6.
During the Pride Month proclamation, Jessica Cole (who helps organize Battleground Pride) and Melissa Morris (treasurer, Queer Youth Resource Center) thanked the council for continued recognition. Jessica Cole said that local recognition sends an important message to LGBTQ youth and families and noted neighboring cities’ differing approaches to proclamations. Melissa Morris said visibility and municipal support “means a lot” for young people and encouraged continued community solidarity.
The proclamations were accompanied by brief remarks from the representatives and photo opportunities. City staff and council highlighted the upcoming Big Paddle anniversary and community events.
Provenance: Great Outdoors Month proclamation introduced SEG 023–083; Pride Month proclamation SEG 134–191; remarks by Jessica Cole and Melissa Morris SEG 214–330.
