Couve Scoop June 2026

Ridgefield’s Storybook Hollow Park Opens 

Looking for a new playground to check out this summer? Storybook Hollow Park in Ridgefield is officially open to the public. This new park provides a unique, nature-focused space to gather, play and connect.  

Storybook Hollow Park is located at 4000 N. 13th St. A small public parking lot is available on North 13th St. near the main play area.

This is the first phase of the 15-acre community park, located within the Paradise Pointe subdivision on North Royle Road, designed to preserve the area’s natural beauty while creating meaningful recreational opportunities. 

“From the beginning, the goal was to create a space that felt natural to the setting, inclusive for families and genuinely unique to Ridgefield,” said Mayor Matt Cole. “Storybook Hollow delivers on that through detailed planning, community input and strong partnerships that resulted in a public park everyone can enjoy.” 

Community members helped shape the vision of the park through surveys, an open house and even its name, selected from more than 50 ideas.  

Trails weave throughout the park, surrounded by native plants and trees, and connect to the surrounding neighborhood, creating opportunities for walking, biking and wildlife observation. The main play area features a nature-themed playset, unique insect climbing structures, natural play elements and a long hill slide. A covered picnic area and ample seating throughout the park provide space for caregivers and community gatherings. 

Native plants were prioritized throughout the park, and an arch entrance to the main play area will grow to become covered in vines, forming a natural tunnel entrance. A gravel path lined with native plants leads from the play area up the hillside to a viewpoint overlooking the whole park. Future phases will continue the vision with additional trails, wildlife viewing features, an osprey pole and public restrooms. 

Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest Returns to Clark College 

The Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest returns on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clark College. This free, family-friendly event features local authors, media creators, workshops and hands-on storytelling experiences. 

Designed for readers of all ages, the event brings together more than 100 local authors and creators for a lively, interactive experience. Visitors can meet authors, explore new books and enjoy a variety of engaging activities throughout the day. 

This year’s event features a mix of author panels, hands-on workshops and family-friendly sessions, including opportunities for kids to discover storytelling in fun and creative ways. Attendees can listen to behind-the-scenes conversations with authors, participate in interactive workshops and experience the growing connection between books, radio and media. 

Award-winning children’s book illustrator Craig Orback will be in attendance this year. Based near Seattle, he has illustrated more than 35 traditionally published titles. His work includes “Starring Steven Spielberg: The Making of a Young Filmmaker,” along with books for major publishers such as Scholastic, Little, Brown and Simon & Schuster. He will be leading a hands-on workshop for kids at the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest, sharing insights into the art of illustration and visual storytelling.    

The Media Fest portion of the event is presented in partnership with KXRW-FM 99.9, Vancouver’s community radio station, highlighting the role of storytelling across platforms. 

“The goal of the Northwest Book Fair & Media Fest is to connect readers with stories in a meaningful, personal way,” said event organizer Patty Grasher. “We want people to come away inspired — whether they discover a new favorite author, attend a workshop or simply enjoy being part of a creative community.” 

With a welcoming atmosphere and a wide range of genres represented, including fiction, romance, mystery, memoir and children’s literature, the event is designed to appeal to families, avid readers and anyone curious about books and storytelling. 

For more information, visit NorthwestBookFair.com. 

Crown Park To Host Grand Reopening Celebration 

The community is invited to celebrate the Crown Park Grand Reopening on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., marking a major milestone for one of Camas’ most beloved gathering spaces. Crown Park is located at 120 NE 17^th Ave. in Camas. The new playground boasts swings, slides, climbing logs, monkey bars, teeter-totters, a merry-go-round and more.  

Crown Park also has new restrooms located near the playground and splash pad. Street parking is available. 

As part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, this special event on July 2 will feature a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony, remarks from local government leaders and a meaningful blessing and land acknowledgment from the Cowlitz Tribe. 

Guests can enjoy a full afternoon of family-friendly activities, including a bike rodeo hosted by Camas Bikes, interactive games and open play with Parks & Recreation and plenty of opportunities to explore the park’s refreshed amenities. Guests can explore the new splash pad and playground while celebrating with the community. The celebration continues into the evening with the kickoff of the Summer Concert Series at 5:30 p.m. 

Read the June 2026 Issue