By Kristen Higgenbotham

If you’ve ever driven past a construction zone and wondered what’s happening… or watched a snowplow roll by and thought, “How do they decide which streets get plowed first?”… or sat in a City Council meeting, curious about who’s doing what behind the scenes — then consider this your official invitation to find out.

The City of Woodland Park is opening the doors, rolling out the welcome mat and inviting residents to take a rare look behind the curtain. Applications for the 2025 Citizens Academy opened earlier this week and will be accepted through Dec. 26.

With limited spots, residents are encouraged to apply early.

Designed for ages 16 and older, the academy is your chance to explore Woodland Park like never before. For nine weeks, participants will experience a thoughtful, interactive journey through the departments, people, and processes that make Woodland Park thrive. Citizens Academy is designed to help residents build connections – with city staff, with fellow participants and with the community they call home. Priority is given to those who live within city limits, but anyone with a love for the community and a curiosity for what keeps the gears turning is encouraged to apply.

The Citizens Academy continues to grow in popularity thanks to its interactive format. Rather than simply sitting through presentations, participants meet directly with department directors, tour facilities, observe demonstrations and take part in activities that mirror real-world municipal work. The program is structured to help residents understand not just what each department does, but how teams collaborate to maintain services and respond to community needs.

In addition to learning practical information, students gain insight into how policy decisions are made, how budgeting and project planning work, what factors drive long-term growth and how the city balances safety, infrastructure, recreation, and community engagement. Many graduates report that the experience inspired them to become more involved—whether by volunteering, serving on city boards, running for public office, or simply becoming more informed participants in civic life.

The program is also an excellent opportunity for our community’s young adults. Because the academy is open to anyone 16 and older, it offers a unique educational experience for students interested in public service careers. Additionally, completing the academy is a fantastic contribution to a student’s first resume or college transcript. It’s a practical way for young people to build confidence, gain real-world insight and explore future civic opportunities close to home.

Thanks to the support of local businesses and organizations, the Citizens Academy program continues to be offered free of charge. Sessions are held once a week, making it accessible to working families, students, and those new to community involvement.

To learn more about Citizens Academy, including viewing the course schedule and applying, visit the city’s website or reach out to Communications and Marketing Manager Kristen Higginbotham by visiting: https://woodlandpark.gov/400/Citizens-Academy