North Bend’s Parks Commission seeks ambitious applicants between 16 and 18 to fill a youth commissioner position.

The city established the position in 2007 to engage youth in civic life and allow them to share their insights and perspectives about the use of parks, wrote Bre Keveren, the communications manager for North Bend.

The position is the only one of its kind in any North Bend city commission.

Appointed by the mayor, the youth commissioner will be a voting member and participate fully in parks commission meetings and upcoming efforts to address gaps in trail and bicycle pathways, and provide directional signage to parks and input on municipal park and trail projects.

“In my experience, youth commissioners provide excellent perspective for the community’s park needs,” said North Bend Parks Commission Chair Minna Rudd. “Students who actively listen for and bring new ideas from local youth groups and organizations provide valuable insight to needs of local youth.”

The one-year term will run from September 2024 through August 2025. The commissioner will be expected to attend a one hour-long meeting each month.

Candidates should be willing to speak their mind and engage with other commissioners and the general public on park matters and must be willing to look into matters beyond commission meetings, said North Bend Principal Planner Mike McCarty.

Interested parties are urged to fill out an application on the city website. Completed applications should be emailed to soppedal@northbendwa.gov or returned to the city clerk at North Bend City Hall at 920 SE Cedar Falls Way, by June 14.