Forging Community Where Kids Come First

Most of us try to serve our community in any way we can. Through our jobs, volunteering, or donating funds and resources we strive to make our community a better place to live. One such individual, John Idsinga, has focused his time, energy and efforts over the past three decades to strengthen the Battle Ground community and help it become a more progressive and inclusive environment to raise a family.

Some may recognize John as a former mayor, others may know of his involvement with the Food Bank, and others still may know him as their local Keller Williams real estate broker. Regardless of how you know John, you know he’s a valued community member, a dedicated husband and father with a blended family of seven children, numerous grandchildren and a wife of forty-one years. His ongoing service in the community is kid-centric. “I believe in the success of children,” he tells us, and his willingness to put those words into action benefits everyone.

A member of the City Council for close to eleven years, John Idsinga served as mayor for six years from 2000 and 2006. During that time, he oversaw the building of a new City Hall, which brought the municipal services under one roof and included a Council Chamber available for community use as well. Battle Ground also had a new police station built while he was in office.

What brings John the most pride and joy is the world-class Skate & Bike Park built under his guidance while mayor. Located at the Fairgrounds Park, the City of Battle Ground’s Skate & Bike Park is ranked second in the state by the Seattle Times and considered one of the nation’s top 10 skate parks by Best of American Towns. Completed in the summer of 2006, the park project was initiated by a group of kids. John tells us, “I coached them on how to come to city council and get their parents involved and make lots of noise for the community.”

Generously giving his time, John has been a volunteer for North County Community Food Bank since 1992 and on the Board in various positions since 2006. The Food Bank services about 750 families a month — most are families with kids in the Battle Ground School District. “My goal is to feed kids,” he says. “We want to take care of everybody, but to me, kids are important.”

John is one of three principals of the Battle Ground Festival Association, which hosts Harvest Days and the Fireworks Show (weather permitting) and the Halloween Trick or Treat Walk with the downtown businesses. And if you listen closely enough, you just might hear Santa at the YMCA kids breakfast, the Christmas tree lighting or even the Keller Williams Realty family holiday party with a voice that sounds oddly like John’s.

To reach John Idsinga for community service or to help Battle Ground kids succeed, please email him at john@idsingahomesales.com.