Nestled in the welcoming city of Camas, Washington, Westridge Place is more than just a collection of streets and houses—it's a vibrant neighborhood with a rich, evolving heritage. For those who live here, and for the many who pass through, Westridge Place stands as a testament to the community spirit and local history that defines Camas.
Origins: From Woodland Edges to a Thriving Community
Long before Westridge Place became a desirable neighborhood, this area was wild, wooded land on the western edge of the original Camas townsite. The lush, towering evergreens and gently sloping ridges provided not only a natural boundary but also the inspiration for the neighborhood’s eventual name. “Westridge” refers both to its geographic placement—west of central Camas—and the distinctive ridgeline, offering sweeping views and tranquil surroundings. “Place” was added as the development took shape, signaling a homey and approachable identity.
The earliest development here traces back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Camas began expanding beyond its historic paper mill roots. Homebuilders recognized the appeal of this higher ground and sought to build close-knit communities that blended suburban comfort with the beauty of southern Washington’s landscapes.
Naming the Neighborhood: A Nod to Nature and Community
The “Westridge Place” name was chosen by developers in the early 1980s to reflect both the physical setting and the sense of arrival. Unlike nearby subdivisions named for trees or local figures, Westridge’s name conjures the image of a place perched thoughtfully above the city, a community that feels just a bit removed and special. Many early residents recall community meetings—some held in what is now the Westridge Park Pavilion—where neighbors helped select landscaping and signage, playing a direct role in shaping the neighborhood’s identity.
Milestones in Westridge Place History
From its quiet beginnings, Westridge Place soon found itself at the heart of Camas’s growth story. Some key milestones include:
- Early Development (1980–1985): Streets like NW Westridge Avenue and NW 20th Circle were among the first platted, with family homes springing up almost overnight. The initial builders prioritized generous lots and classic Northwest architecture, featuring wide front porches and wood siding.
- The Arrival of Westridge Park (late 1980s): Residents advocated for a community green space, and the city answered with Westridge Park. This leafy, well-maintained park on NW 22nd Avenue became a popular gathering spot for families, especially during Camas Days festivities.
- Neighborhood Expansion (1990s–2000s): Additional developments to the west, like the extension of NW Astor Court, kept the neighborhood vibrant while maintaining its small-town appeal.
- Modernization and Revitalization (2010–present): As Camas has boomed, Westridge Place’s older homes have seen careful renovations, and the neighborhood association now sponsors neighborhood clean-ups, garage sales, and seasonal celebrations.
Landmarks and Notable Places
While Westridge Place is primarily residential, there are several notable landmarks that ground it in local heritage:
- Westridge Park – At the heart of the neighborhood, this park offers play structures, open lawns, walking paths, and picnic tables shaded by old-growth trees. In spring, the flowering dogwoods and maples are known to stop passersby in their tracks.
- The Westridge Sign – At the neighborhood entrance on NW Westridge Avenue, the original “Westridge Place” monument sign features river rock and cedar, chosen to reflect the Columbia River Gorge aesthetic and the neighborhood’s commitment to natural beauty.
- Historic Camas High School – Just a few blocks southeast, this anchor institution draws many young families to the area and serves as a cultural hub. Westridge students can walk or bike to school, a rarity in rapidly growing Clark County.
- NW 23rd Avenue Loop – This shady arterial, with its stately maples and crescent-shaped layout, has been the scene of countless neighborhood parades and block parties.
How Westridge Place Has Evolved
Much has changed since the first foundation was poured in Westridge Place, but certain fundamentals endure. In the early years, the area was quieter, with more open fields and trails winding through second-growth forest. As Camas has expanded, so has the neighborhood, but residents have long prioritized keeping the spirit of Westridge Place alive.
The evolution has included:
- Careful preservation and replanting of trees, which remain a hallmark of local streetscapes.
- Emphasis on community events, such as the annual summer picnic at Westridge Park and periodic food drives for families in need.
- Increased walkability and neighborhood connectivity, with sidewalks now linking Westridge Place to downtown Camas and the wider network of city trails.
- Smart updates to classic homes—many properties now boast energy-efficient upgrades while retaining their original character.
For those who live here, the greatest change is perhaps the sense of intergenerational community. Early residents are now welcoming their grown children back to raise their own families here. Neighbors gather on stoops and along the park path to swap stories about the “old days,” when deer grazed in the backyards and every Fourth of July brought a neighborhood barbecue.
What Makes Westridge Place Special
Beyond its leafy lanes and iconic park, Westridge Place is set apart by a living sense of history and a collective pride in the area’s evolution. People move here for the quiet streets and sturdy homes. They stay for the friendships, memories, and the knowledge that, while Camas may keep growing up around it, Westridge Place will always hold onto the best of its past.
Whether you are passing through or looking for a place to put down roots, Westridge Place welcomes you with open arms and offers a living lesson in the beauty of community, tradition, and careful stewardship of local heritage.