The Origins of Pickleball: How It All Began / And Where To Play!

 

 

Many thanks to Shelly Bowman, Redmond Parks Commissioner, for sharing this amazing video on the origins of Pickleball.  The City is offering two outdoor courts at the Senior & Community Center.  Last summer two Perrigo Park tennis courts were temporarily converted to Pickleball on a rotating, trial basis.  Shelly says there's a court at Nike Park, Westside Park, Spiritbrook Park and two Grasslawn Park tennis courts with partial pickleball lines. Shelly says "apparently the ORSH (Old Redmond School House) is offering 4 indoor opportunities starting March 1 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings."  Two Redmond gyms each offer two portable courts at 24 Fitness and 425 Fitness 

Register with the City for ORSH pickleball here!

-- Reported by Yoder

Council considers renaming a Hartman Park sports field

Credit:  Redmond Reporter

Les Dow, a long time Redmond baseball coach and supporter passed away August 22, 2018. Les spent 46 years as a coach, sponsor, and administrator in the Redmond baseball community. He was instrumental in many improvement projects at Hartman Park and made substantial impacts through his volunteer work.

A community group led by Redmond resident, John DeVore, has made a formal request to name a sports field at Hartman Park after Les Dow. The renaming request was presented to the Parks and Trails Commission on December 6, 2018. A motion was passed by the Parks and Trails Commission recommending renaming the sports at Hartman Park to Les Dow Field pending proper due diligence, and to waive the two-year waiting period. Due diligence has been completed.

Les Dow’s contributions in Redmond span 46 years of service as a coach, sponsor and administrator. Mr. Dow was Redmond Little League (RLL) Adult Little Leaguer of the Year in 1980, Regional Director of National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) and NABF Man of the Year in 1988, City of Redmond Park and Recreation Person of the Year in 2010, and the NW Baseball Umpires Association (NBUA) Customer of the Year in 2006. Next year the NBUA will recognize Les with a Lifetime Customer Appreciation Award. The request letter details additional contributions made by Mr. Dow.

Source:  Council Parks and Human Services Committee
              5/9/2019
              Redmond Reporter, by Andy Nystrom, 9/5/18

Parks and Trails Commission vacancy hard to find on City Website - deadline approaching

Deliver your Parks & Trails

Commission application

 to City Hall

The City has one opening on the Parks and Trails Commission that must be filled by a resident living outside Redmond’s city limits with a Redmond address.  The Mayor reviews your application and makes the appointment.  The Council approves the appointee.  If you are interested it might be a good idea to contact the Mayor's office to talk to a commissioner.  An excellent contact is Sue Stewart.  She is a candidate for City Council and was Chair of Parks and Trails for 6 years.   

The commission may be looking for someone familiar with trails outside the city ie. horse, hiking, biking, running. The Parks and Trails Commission members advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning acquisition, development and improvements to all park facilities.    They also make recommendations and provide input on recreational programming. The Commission meets on the first Thursday evening of the month at City Hall. All board and commission members are volunteers.

Applicants must complete a community service application. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, August 26.  If you're looking for additional information on the Commission to prepare for the interview visit the new city website:  http://www.redmond.gov/.

The  new city website is challenging to navigate.  If you have trouble, I recommend you write the Office of the Mayor and City Ombudsman at:  mayorcouncil@redmond.gov.  To research this story, I visited the website Search engine and the A-Z Directory. It didn't work, so I emailed the Office of the Mayor and Council for help.  They responded: 

"Bob, if you look at the top of the website and click on Residents, then click down to Volunteer Opportunities and then click to Boards and Commissions, you will see the notice for the opening on the Parks and Trails Commission"    --Talley Hudson, Office of the Mayor

"The press release [link to the job description] was a bit challenging to find, so I've copied it below for your to share with your friend"  

-- Hank Margeson, Ombudsman, City Councilmember

I stumbled on the application on a separate page.  It's unfortunate important commission openings are so hard to find and research.  Those "on the inside" appear to have the advantage.  I'm hoping a Council candidate will address some of these problems in their campaign.

Opinion By Bob Yoder   

Internet photo

Redmond Spur railway demolition marks the end of an era.

Collage of BNSF Redmond Spur Railway Demolition, 7/20/2011

Demolition of the BNSF railway spur for the "Redmond Central Connector" has begun, marking the end of an era.   Once the rails are pulled and recycled, the city will install a huge regional stormwater pipe under the railroad bedding.   A trail and "linear park" will be built on top of the pipe.  The trail will connect to the Downtown Park.

Central Connecter video narrated by three planning commissioners, the mayor and staff directors.

By Bob Yoder
Photographed, 7/20

Have you hiked Redmond's "Mystery Trail?"

Trailhead to Nike Park
"Whitey" is running from the "Mystery Trail" onto Perrigo Heights sewer easement road

The Redmond Parks and Trails Commission has been anticipating and planning for Redmond's Centennial Celebration for quite sometime.  A "Centennial Trail" is on the drawing boards.  It's a patchwork of hiking trails that could loop around the entire city once completed.

The Centennial Trail map hasn't been released to the public so it's length and location are unknown.  As far as the public knows, right now it doesn't officially exist.  Several "missing links" have slowed it's completion.

This final missing trail link between Nike Park and the Ashford Trail (and Hartman Park Trails) was discovered by a hiker last year near the "Perrigo Heights" development. The trail-head starts off at the Perrigo Heights sewer easement road and goes south through the forest up a series of switchbacks and small ravens to Nike Park.  From Nike the trail runs to Avondale.

Prior to construction of the switchbacks it was impossible to hike the steep slopes around Perrigo Heights development to, and from, Nike.   A citizen, excited by 'the find' reported the switchbacks to the Parks and Trails department.  Two city planners went out and took pictures. This trail link was a mystery to them!  They said it was too big a job for Parks to do.   So, a phone call was made to Camwest, the Perrigo Heights developer, since the trail link is built on their easement. The trail was new to them!

It's truly a mystery that no one will take credit for building this missing link to the "Centenniel Trail."   Do you know why?  Updated, 2/28/19:  Sections of the trail are on private property. Have you been on this trail, yet?  A tip:  Ashford Trail starts at NE 100th Street and 172nd Avenue near the Redmond BMX Bike Park. 

Report and Photo by Bob Yoder

Read the earlier story of 09/1/2010:  "Education Hill hiker asks for a Nike - Hartman Trails connector"

ELECTION: Sue Stewart challenges Dave Carson for Redmond City Council Position 7

Ms. Sue Stewart filed this afternoon for Redmond City Council Position 7.  Sue is challenging Dave Carson a one-term incumbent. 

Ms. Stewart is a past Chair for Redmond Parks and Trails Commission, recently served as Vice-Chair of the Code-Rewrite Commission and has been active in neighborhood land use and traffic issues.  Sue is a graduate of the city 2011 Citizen Academy.   She works for King County Metro and lives on Education Hill.    Facebook: "Sue Townsley Stewart

Visit RNB Redmond Voters' Guide for all the local election news and opinion HERE!

Sue Stewart, Challenger
183RD AVE NE
REDMOND, WA 98052
stewars51@gmail.com
Sue Stewart Website
http://suestewart4council.com/
(206) 396-8770

David Carson, Incumbent position 7
NE 50TH WAY
REDMOND, WA 98052
dmcarson@hotmail.com
http://www.carson4council.com/
(206) 484-8480

Finance Chair Hank Margeson Explains Why "Budgeting by Priorities" Works

I have a high very high opinion of Hank Margeson:  Councilmember Hank Margeson is presently Chair of the Public Administration and Finance Committee, with councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen.  Hank presided in over 10 Budget meetings, and three Hearings.  In 2008 - 2009  Margeson Chaired the challenging Planning & Public Works Committee.  In addition, Hank holds the prestigious position as the city's Suburban Cities representative.  Hank lives with his wife Patti and their family on Education Hill, works full time in the insurance business, "lives to umpire!", and occasionally joins the Mayor and Parks & Trails Chair in a ball game.   Hank's letter is written in response to an email about the budget's cost-of-living adjustment.  Bob Yoder 

Finance Chair Hank Margeson

Dear Bob,

Thank you for your continued interest in the Budgeting for Outcomes (or Budgeting by Priorities) process. During the process of reviewing each of the citizen's priorities it was clear that in spite of challenging economic times, the City of Redmond's process was working. First, the budget offers were well prepared with an improved level of detail that enabled the results teams to rank offers. Second, the leadership team made some very difficult decisions while staying focused on the outcomes provided by each offer. The key to the BP process is to look for an outcome and then select or scale an offer to achieve the desired outcome.

Every budget offer was reviewed for scalability and where appropriate the offer was reduced to ensure a balanced budget was presented to Council. I can't say enough about how difficult this was as each department had positions eliminated. Read more....
READ MORE

Education Hill hiker asks for a Nike - Hartman Parks trail connector

Hiking from the South, on the left is the National Guard  (Nike facility), an easement, Lookout Ridge, & Perrigo Heights cul de sac. The Hartman Park Trails are further to the north.  Nike Park is south (below) the photo 

I love walking and running on the Education Hill trails, and one of my favorites is to connect Nike Park (via the trail that skirts the old missile station or whatever it is) to the Jonathan Hartman Park trails...but now there's a big new house right where the trail exits the "Nike Park Woods".

I can't remember the name of the street, but I've attached a photo (you can see the Nike facility in the lower left corner) of my gps tracks - as you can see, they're going straight through that property, and I'm assuming the new owners won't appreciate smelly runners sneaking across their lawn (there's actually a fence there now).

Do you know if "they're" going to make an alternate trail to connect the two parks, or was it never an official trail to begin with? Is there already and alternate trail that I don't know about?

By Ingunn
Education Hill
9/2

The Trail was discovered  --  Read the story:  "Have you hiked Redmond's "Mystery Trail"?" 

Updated: Cindy Jayne - An extraordinary Redmond community leader and volunteer.

This strory was authored by Bob Yoder

Cindy Jayne is an amazing Redmond community leader and volunteer.  I first met Cindy reporting on a Parks & Trails Meeting.  I wanted to write her story.  Cindy has taken the summer off and is "working" full time on a backyard landscaping project right now, but she kindly offered a little of her time to share the biography of her volunteer life in Redmond.   Hold your hat, here goes: 

1992  Moved to Redmond - Lives west of Marymoor Park, in the View Point Neighborhood.
2004  Joined Northwest Earth Institute.  http://www.nweiseattle.org/
2005  Steering Committee member for Seattle Northwest Earth Institute
2006  Joined City of Redmond Trails Commission
2007  Joined City of Redmond Pedestrian-Bicycle Citizen Advisory Committee
2007  Laison between PED-Bicycle Advisory Committee and Parks & Trails Commission
2009  Vice Chair of City of Redmond Parks and Trails Committee
2009  Forest Land Steward (with husband Jeff) for Westside Park.
2009  Derby Day Redmond-Green booth volunteer and parade participant.
2009  Starting up "Sustainable Redmond Group",  http://www.scallopswa.org/

Northwest Earth Institute's Sense of Place course is part of what prompted Cindy to join the Trails Commission.   This course focuses on one's knowledge and commitment to the local community. The Institute is giving a presentation of their "discussion courses" for those who want to learn more, Thursday,  September 17, from 7-8 at the Redmond Library, Room. I.   Say hi to Cindy!

Professionally, Cindy worked for 13 years for Physio-Control in Redmond, designing medical devices.  She has a Bachelor's and Masters in Electrical Engineering, and an MBA.  She switched to consulting work in 2008. 

"I had the perfect commute for many years - 5 miles each way, most of which was along the Sammamish River trail. I would ride my bike to work typically twice a week, year round, which both reduced my carbon footprint, and gave me a good workout and fresh air."

Cindy Jayne's personal mission and philosopy on life:

"As I have learned more about climate change, I came to view that as the most critical issue that affects our planet today. It impacts so many other aspects, including poverty, disease, forests, and wildlife. I feel it is a moral responsibility that we all have to try to leave the planet in better shape than we inherited, for the sake of all the world's children (of all species) and future generations.  I am hopeful that not only can we change course, but that doing so will improve our lives by helping bring communities together, and shifting our culture away from consumerism and toward meaningful relationships. As the saying goes, the best things in life aren't things."

Thank you Cindy Jayne for all you do for our community!  

Cindy would love to hear from anyone interested in being part of "Sustainable Redmond".  She can be contacted at cindy@nweiseattle.org.   

by Bob Yoder

Downtown Center offers: volleyball, billiards, pickleball, ping pong, horsehoes, and Wii !

The Redmond "un-Senior" Center slideshow

UPDATE: First in a Series on the Senior Center. While bicycling the Sammamish Trail this week I noticed some well-kept Pickle Ball Courts next to the Redmond Senior Center. H E L L O !!! I had no idea the "Senior Center" had this kind of quality, active recreation facility. So I came back the next day with my camera and quizzed the attending staff to learn more!

The most important piece of information I found was about access to the Center.

• A "senior" is considered 50 years or older and is welcome anytime.
• Youth 18 years of age and older may use the facilities when accompanied by a "senior".
• Residents living outside Redmond city limits may use the facilities.

After walking around the Center for 40 minutes I became very excited about the active recreational opportunities of the Center for my entire family:

During my 3:45 -4:30pm "snapshot" visit,

• 5 ping pong tables(Table Tennis) were in use!
• Three seniors were playing WII golf. (A WII bowling league meets weekly).
• No one was on the Pickleball Court. (2 courts)
• One lady came back to the Center after a group trip to La Conner.
• No one was playing volleyball.
• No one was playing billiards (3 tables!)
• No one was was working the green house soil.
• One bike was in the rack.
• 19 people had signed-in for the day

What a wonderful active recreational opportunity the City has given us and so few appear to use it. The Sammamish Bike Trail is only a few yards away, so it's not like citizens don't know about it. My guess is, most passersby think the facilities are a private club or are meant exclusively for "Seniors" (over 55). Some may may dwell on the "age stigma".

Any way you slice it, this place has some cool stuff going on.... See you at "the Center" for a game of pool? ping pong? pickle ball? volleyball? horseshoes? My daughter turns 18 in weeks!

Sign-in at the Front Desk (and introduce yourself to the staff on your first visit) & put your tax dollars to work!! OPEN: M,T,W,Th 8:30am-9pm. F 8:30 - 4:30pm CLOSED: on weekends for weddings, private parties, etc. Pickleball and volleyball may or may be available on weekends?

The Center is managed by the City Parks & Rec. Department. Contact: Wanda Sweeney, Program Coordinator, Senior Center, wsweeney@redmond.gov , 425-556-2365 or Terri Burke, Manager, tburke@redmond.gov , 425-556-2342 or kphillips@redmond.gov, Rental Coordinator. The Center is located next the Public Safety Building, 8703 16oth Ave. NE. Ask about the Citizen (Senior) Advisory Committee. City Web Page.

Staff presents the Commission's P.A.R.C.C. Plan to Council

After months of extensive public input, the Parks, Trails, and Rec. Department presented a rough draft of their new comprehensive 6-year plan to City Council.

Probably, one of the most significant changes proposed are new standards for "levels of service" (LOS). In past years, levels of service focused on obtaining state agency funding for new parks and redevelopment. Planning will be designed more for function and need than grant funding applications.

This go-around, Carolyn Hope and Craig Larsen of Parks & Recreation proposed adding new functional "levels of service'" called-- Walkability, Density, Capacity, Demand and Use. Including the functional parameters will help the City prioritize and allocate City Park & Rec (and Art) resources. Impacts on the City from the "outside uses" of Marymoor Park, school fields, 60-Acres, Willows Golf, businesses, Sammamish river cycling and others can be more easily reckoned.

The foundation of the Plan is extensive public input from: three public meeting workshops, online & phone surveys, citizen advisory committees, and other opportunities. A few of the more enlightening findings from the study are, as follows:

1. The number one activity in parks was reported as: walking. #2 activity was unorganized sports or play, #3 relaxing (birding, meditating, reading). Organized sports were listed at the bottom third for Park activity Could this "surprise" be attributed to use at school fields, 60 Acres, and Marymoor Park, Willows Run?
2. The number one "future park use" requested was Mountain bike parks and trails.
3. The trail type most requested was soft surface trails, preferably single track. 73% of all respondents from all ages wished for soft surface! 27% wanted paved.
4. A Leisure Aquatic Center was the most requested Rec. facility. (Lap pool, shallow rehab/fitness pool, splash pool for kids).
5. A performance center for theatre (vs. concerts) was in demand.
6. As for Rec. programs, Aquatics and Nature were at the top of the list.
7. 52% of citizens drive to city parks!
8. 60% want more trails; 63% use a City park at least once/week.
9. Only 15% or 25% (depending on survey interpretation) said NO to funding by a park bond levy. Fees for use were popular.

Park & Trails commissioners deliberated thoroughly on what to call the Park plan. PRO Plan or PARCC Plan? Which acronym sounds good to you? Please comment below? I'll note their meaning under "comments".
CONTACT: ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov or Park's Chair hmyers@redmond.gov

Our Parks & Trails Commissioners are reaching new heights.

UPDATE, 5/10 - Opinion: I attended the Parks & Trails Commission Meeting tonight at Grass Lawn Park in the new building. Every time I go to Grass Lawn Park something about it amazes me. This time, it was watching heavy rain hit the pervious blacktop trail and not splash.

The Commissioners, led by able Chair Peter McDonald, brainstormed park and trail ideas, some 10-20 years into the future. To name a few:

• Indoor aquatic pool - climate change is bringing cooler weather and older adults need "soft" exercise for their joints. Children need a warm place to splash. A regional pool was discussed.
• Expand our partnership with the school district to share environmental resources, use of fields, and on.
• Build a network of soft surface walking trails for some of the best low impact exercise you can find. Provide for equestrian use.
• Outdoor performing arts amphitheatre with a focus on youth.
• The Downtown Park with a myriad of gathering places.
• Completion of the Centennial Trail that loops around the city and through the neighborhoods.
• Facilitate the growth of alternative sports from around the world: Equestrian, Cricket, Lacrosse, and Tai Chi. Plan for BMX Dirt Bike Jump parks.

Chairman McDonald made several pleas at the meeting, as follows: 1) a policy for wayfinding signage in parks and trails. Un-named trails run through parks unknown to the visitors. 2) a Parks Foundation to raise funds for the Downtown Park, an Aquatic Park, Amphitheatre and other goals. Find $10K in seed money for the Foundation. 3) Complete all the trail connections, 4) Park land acquisition - even in this economy landowners aren't selling.

Our Commissioners appear to be metamorphosing -- from task masters "wading in the weeds" -- to creating & implimenting higher-level, visionary, goal driven, work plans. Director Larsen was out ill but, three new resourceful planners offered excellent support! The commissioners are holding firmly to the reigns as they steer, ever upwards, into the 'high country' of Parks & Trails planning. I'm confident saying we can thank Mayor Marchione and his administration for the Commission's advance.

Thoughts on Redmond parks and arts

UPDATED: Opinion: I just came home from a city Parks Public Meeting. The city objective was to get us to "vision" what kind of parks and art our city will have 6-20 years out. Carolyn Hope, the new senior parks planner (of 3 months), led the meeting. I think she is also a Program Manager. I've seen Ms. Hope present four times, including a double presentation to the Planning Commission and an outdoor Dirt Bike public meeting. She was also interviewed for the inauguaral "ON REDMOND" RC-TV series. It appears the Marchione Administration has made an excellent hiring decision.

The city gave an electronic survey to all 25 participants. It was clear Redmond has grown way beyond it's last 6 year plan. For example, "soft surface" trails and "open space" was by far the most desired choice of nine park, rec, and art assets. Multi-use soft surface trails got a lot of interest - for hikers, equestrian, runners, and mountain bikers. A soft surface trail following the Sammamish River on the west bank drew a lot of chatter.

The city was definitely featuring art in their presentation. I found it interesting over 24 pieces of outdoor art rest permanently in Redmond but are not owned by the city. We have so much outdoor art, why can't we loan out some of our collection for others to enjoy? John Stilin, Arts Commission Chair and a city council candidate, brought up a valid argument to improve the enrichment of our youth with art education. Apparently, a clay throwing studio for kids just opened up at the Old Redmond School House; and the Teen Center has some great music programs.

One of the Downtown Park visions appeared as an expansive promenade, with covered seating and tables. Looked good. On my turn, I suggested "micro neighborhood parks" where neighbors could open satellite outdoor markets to sell things like "native plants", "nature photographs", and "home-made art & baked goods". Education Hill has a corner forest where this actually took place at one time.

Finally, the city showed a cool picture of "Redmond West Park" wetlands. Do you know where it is? Click here for slide shows of all our city parks.

Neighborhood community cleans out their Neighborhood forest

Ashford Trail adjacent to the Mormon Church

UPDATE, 6/14/09: During my city training to be a Forest Steward for Hartman Park I learned that, at this time, the Parks Operations Manager decided not to install a city garbage container or dog feces bags at the Ashford traihead.  I will continue to leave the metal container at the trailhead and dispose the trash into my personal garbage, for as long as I can...which may not be very much longer. Please call the city if your want these services.

The photo on the left shows Parks new Trailhead signage and the widened, developed Ashford Trail. City pick-ups now ride it and sometime take shortcuts on it from Avondale to Ed. Hill.  Why couldn't they leave a garbage can?  The right photo shows all the trash I picked up in just one full day.  It amounted to 570 pounds of trash, 120 gallons of drinking containers, and rotten construction wood were removed and taken to the dump.

The neighborhhod kids build small "forts" so I didn't take their good lumber, though nails in trees are common. The dirt bikers need the large white buckets to haul dirt for their jumps, so we didn't take the buckets. The dog-walkers want a place to put their poop-bags so I left a trash can on the trail we found it the woods. Two "beer party sites" were left at the trailhead. A computer monitor was removed from the party site and bags were removed from the poop bag throw site.

This forest is a remnant of Perrigo Creek watershed and is located within the Bear Creek Basin. The land is owned by the rate payers of the water utility and managed by the city. Get acquainted with this short clip of the "neighborhood corner forest". (1.2m)

The forest is on the corner of NE 100 St and 171st Ave NE. Two sides of the forest are bordered by homes and the other two sides are bordered by the Church of Latter Day Saints and the Dirt Bike trail jumps. The Perrigo Woods Trail (Ashford Trail) if a favorite hiking and dog-walking trail. The forest is only a 5-10 minute walk from Redmond Junior, Redmond High, and Mann El.

This neighborhood forest is clearly, closely surrounded by mankind and over the years trash and litter has accumulated. A detailed report of the trashing is found here. Several in the neighborhood decided to clean up the trash. I was involved and others helped. A dirt-biker, several youth from Mann, a dog-walker, two hikers and 3 teenagers all helped clean up the forest. Other youth and adults said they would watch the forest and they know who to call if they need help.

Last year, the Parks Department upgraded the network of trails in Hartman Forest and on Ashford Trail. They posted trail head signage and widened Ashford Trail. I hope the Parks Department and commissioners will get more involved with keeping this corner forest clean now that more citizens are using the forest. A couple of simple things the City could do to maintain their improvements are: 1) Place and maintain a Park trash can next to the posted Ashford Trailhead sign 2) Install and maintain a Dog-Poop bag dispenser. The City educates us on the importance on bagging dog poop to help keep our streams and ground water clean. I bag dispenser would seem appropriate. 3) removing the blackberries.

The visiting citizens and youth appreciate getting and keeping the junk and litter out of their forest. Removing the blackberry bushes at the corner would freshen up the place, too. The forest corner was once used by citizen vendors to sell art, photos and native plants for the "Save the Woodlands" fundraiser. I paced off the area then and discovered there was open space for a 'satelite Saturday Market' once the blackberries were removed.

CC: Parks Operations (Attn: Dave), Council Parks Chair, Hank Myers, ParksandTrailsCommission@redmond.gov

UPDATED: Community Dirt Bike Trail and forest gets trashed.

Recent trashing, dumping, and littering in the vicinity of the Dirt Bike Trail

This slide show tells the sad story of recent disrespect for our neighborhood by adults and youth.

Currently the City Parks and Recreation Department does not supervise the Dirt Bike Trail or surrounding water district forest. This slide show tells the sad story of recent (and past) disrespect for our neighborhood by adults and youth.

Redmond Parks & Recreation Department asks users to:

1) respect the neighborhood
2) remove litter and keep area clean of litter
3) limit bike use to marked areas.
4) not remove soil within the root zones of trees and shrubs.

Clearly, citizens are not being held accountable to Parks Department guidelines. I couldn't find any "marked areas" but did find a significant cedar tree painted green marking the site of a "tree house". It's not just our kids who need supervision. A short side trail at the terminus of NE 100th St. accesses a dump site. Adults are dumping plastic jungle gyms, picket fencing, boxes, and paint buckets.... right off of 171st Ave. I don't set policy but if this were my park I would shut it down until the neighboring kids and adults cleaned it up. What would you do?

Even though the kids aren't responsible for adult dumping they are privileged to have this beautiful place to ride their dirt & mountain bikes and play in the forest. The neighborhood needs to take year-round care and ownership of this beautiful forest and bike trails. Youth leaders need to step up and monitor the site year-round...not only during the summer. The Parks and Trails Commissioners could visit this "corner forest" periodically to see how the city could help. Neighborhood work parties once a year would go a long way towards restoring the beauty of this forest.

The above is my comment to Mr. Larsen, Parks Director and the Mayor's Parks & Trails Commissioners.

If you want to send feedback to the city I will copy your comments made at this post to Mr. Larsen, the commissioners and the Mayor.

CC: Redmond Police
Mr. Craig Larsen, Parks & Rec. Director
ParksandTrailsCommissioners@redmond.gov
Mr. Mayor

Commissions are the incubator of city Leadership.

OPINION: In a story a few posts down, I focused on three recent problematic issues surrounding two city Commissions. I hope you'll enjoy reading this positive story about the great good that comes out of our Commissions.

When thinking about "what's right" with our commissions it is clear commissions often serve as an "incubator" for the growth and development of new city leaders, councilmembers, and mayors.

For Example:

1. Four sitting councilmembers were once commissioners. Councilmember Hank Margeson was a past Vice Chair with Parks Commission. Councilmembers Richard Cole, Kim Allen, Pat Vache, and Nancy McCormick were once on the Planning Commission. Of special interest, Pat Vache sat on the first Planning Commission established by the City. I nick-name Mr. Vache "The Commissioner".

2. Tom Payne was on the Parks Commission before election to Council. He has since resigned.

3. Suzanne Querry was a Parks Commissioner before Vice-Chairing the Planning Commission. Suzanne is the only citizen I know who has served on two commissions. She is well qualified to be a councilmember should she choose to run.

4. Richard Grubb has been a long-time community activist, councilmember and eloquent speaker. I don't know if he was ever a commissioner. Maybe a reader could fill in the blanks.

5. Mayor Rosemarie Ives informed me she served on the Planning Commission for six years and as councilmember for four years, before being elected Mayor for 16 years.

6. Mayor Doreen Marchione served on Council for two years.

7. Mayor John Marchione served on Council for four years, though not on a commission.

8. Redmond's first woman Mayor Christine Himes opened up a dozen new parks and a citywide trail system so she may have been on a Parks Commission of sorts before becoming Mayor?

Citizen Advisory Committees and the Redmond Historical Society are other ways to volunteer and grow into a commissioner or council seat. Miguel Llanos, V.P. Redmond Historical Society and Newsletter Editor was recently sworn in to the Landmarks and Heritage Commission. Councilman Hank Margeson served on the Education Hill CAC. Planning Commissioner Querry was the Ed. Hill CAC liaison. Martin and Lori Snodgrass once chaired two different commissions as spouses under the Ives Administration. I posted a story on the Snodgrasses in 2007.

The bottom line? "Much good" comes out of our commissions! Personally, I have high hopes for an Arts Commissioner to rise up to a Council position. I believe their time is coming.

What's going wrong with Redmond's Commissions? What's right?

2/6, UPDATED OPINION: Commissioners are mostly Redmond residents who volunteer their time to participate with staff, elected officials and citizens in decision-making and city planning. They are appointed by the Mayor with the blessing of the Council and sworn in. Their terms vary and vacancies are hard to anticipate so it's best to put early word into the Mayor's office. Commissioners are some of my most favorite citizen volunteers. I love them dearly. Read this story about long-time commission Chairs Martin Snodgrass and his spouse, Lori.

But, this 'sermon' is about city problems with the management of Commissions by our one-year old Administration. According to the Parks & Trails commission website Chair Sue Stewart of Parks and Trails has been a commissioner for almost 6 years. Ms. Stewart likes to make oral presentations at council meetings and I could swear remembering her quoting a much longer Parks commission term than 6 years. Peter MacDonald, Vice Chair of Parks and Trails and friend and political ally of the Mayor and according to their website has been a commissioner for about five years. Peter would be an excellent citizen to get to know if you want to be a Parks & Trails Commissioner or Youth Advocate. A Youth Advocate position is open. Council blessing of the non-resident commissioner appointee is soon.

Unfortunately, it's too late to apply for the Parks & Trails vacancy. The Commission went outside their normal selection standards (see comments - non-residents are allowed) and got permission from the Mayor to appoint a citizen not residing in Redmond. The Parks Director justified it by claiming the nominee lived near a trail the city was interested in acquiring. I don't think non-resident commissioners are good policy. Redmond has plenty of tax-paying citizens who would probably love the opportunity to give input on our many splendored parks. I don't believe parks commissioners should enter the commission with a special interest, especially, when they live outside the city.

A serious problem for the Parks & Trail Commission in 2008 has been the loss of the "public record" for the last six months of their regular meetings. The commission is required to tape their regular meetings for the public record. Weeks ago, I asked the Parks Secretary for two meeting tapes. I found NOTHING taped on their digital recorder or analog recorder for the last six meetings. The council Ombudsman-of-the-month's answer was "we all learned from the experience." No public Ombudsman report was given. No commitment to fix the problem was promised. To this day, I haven't received an apology or even acknowledgment from the Parks Director or Parks Commission Chair or the Mayor. Loss of 6 months public record is serious.

I knew I did something good for the city during this discovery, as follows: 1) I actively participated in the governing process by attempting to listen to meeting tapes and catch up on P&T meetings for the Eastern Park Corridor Program and Downtown Park, 2) I spent 3 hours of my personal time trying to help the city trouble-shoot and quantify the lose of public record. 3) I reported the problem through proper channels -- didn't jump to my blog. What resulted? Not one genuine thank you from the city nor promise the recorder would be fixed.

In my five years of active participation and reporting on the city, I've found a dysfunctional governing pattern -- The city's approach to a citizen reporting errors and omissions is to brush them under the carpet rather than give them even hushed appreciation. Such apathy and disregard for constructive citizen participation results in mediocrity and public dis-engagement within our government.

Redmond sponsors 9 Commissions. None are paid. Of the commissions I'm most familiar with, the entire Planning Commission is dedicated and professional, giving much of their time in meetings every week. Presently, they are looking to expeditiously fill one position. They are my favorite commission because I learn the most from them. They conduct Public Hearings, make Land Use decisions, and set land use policy.

The only problem I have with the Planning Commission is staff - NOT the commissioners! Last week staff interfered and discouraged my public testimony, at times. The Principal Planners gave me help when I didn't want it and didn't give me help when I needed it. During the Stream Map Hearing, to prepare, I asked as week in advance for known Stream Maps from three planners and an engineer. We used these maps during a tour with Kathy Lambert. Twenty minutes before the Hearing a Principal Planner told me flatly that they "didn't get them all". I'm guessing the Mayor was taking a stand on "the Rock of public records."

The map they gave me was so large it couldn't be projected on an overhead. Despite this, a second Principal Planner barged onto the podium, unannounced, interrupting my testimony while he was trying to position the large map! He interrupted me just when I was starting to talk about some observations of the lay of the land near our aquifer. For me, his abrupt, unasked for "help" confirmed the city may still have quality issues with our aquifer. My testimony was unscientific and anecdotal and I had rights to be fully heard. The principal planner's subtle interference was uncalled for. Some of these planners are paid over $95,000 for services rendered to taxpayers.

My last beef with staff at the Planning Commission Hearing was their lack of professional courtesy. I wanted to familiarize myself with the overhead projector before the meeting but a second Principal Planner brushed me aside saying they were too busy now and to come back. Three staff proceeded to huddle around the projector, blocking me off, until the Hearing started. Once I got to the podium various staff were all over me in front of the camera - interrupting, correcting me and fixing the projector, adjusting the microphone, putting unwanted maps on the projector, and mostly trying to give me the help I needed before my testimony. This behavior is a sorry example of poor service to a rare citizen with guts and time enough to approach the podium...... It would have been one thing if said staff were interns, associates, or even senior planners. But two highly paid Principal Planners were "helping me". I've seen other citizens fumbling at the start of their talk, also. It would not take much to fix this and so encourage citizen participation.

Not to forget, the Arts Commission is one of my favorites, too. They are looking for two new commissioners and one Youth Advocate. They hold three public meetings on RCTV. The Planning Commission is on RCTV most every Wednesday night at 7PM. The Parks & Trails Commission NEVER conducts their meetings on RCTV. Their website is incomplete and innacurate. What does this tell you? All said and done, I absolutely adore, admire and appreciate the commissions and every hour of volunteer work our commissioners give to our city. I love going to their meetings or listening to them. I think staff should do a better job servicing, acknowledging, recognizing, and empowering our invaluable human resources of caring citizens - espectially sworn volunteers.

Apply and sign-up for a commissioner or youth advocate position here.

Apply and sign-up for the nonprofit Water Tenders Youth Advocate position at the web site.
Water Tenders is a small group of passionate citizens compelled to sustain and protect local Bear Creek Basin habitats in Redmond. My daughter is a youth advocate.

CC: Mayor John Marchione ; Redmond City Council; City Clerk, OMBUDSMAN
RAC@redmond.gov, planningcommission@redmond.gov, parksandtrailscommission@redmond.gov

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Comments are encouraged below or by emailing me at REDMONDBLOG@GMAIL.COM for posting on this page.

UPDATED: A Tale of Two Trails

North shore of Idylwood Park with tables (redeveloped). The gravel trail goes to the north shore and it's not ADA approved. (This post has six comments).

OPINION: I posted this story October 11 but delisted it for the "right moment". Last night during a budget session with Council, the Parks and Trails Director Craig Larsen requested a few thousand dollars to re-invest in the Idylwood Park "beach renovation". Several years ago the department cleared *riparian vegetation from the northern boat launch beach area and creek mouth to make room for new picnic tables. I'm not sure if this redevelopment project went through meaningful public review. Now Mr. Larsen wants to improve access to the area.

When queried by Council if the Parks Commissioners had a say in this land use redevelopment project Mr. Larsen agreed the commissioners and voted unanimously to re-invest and improve beach access. (I'm still looking for this review and decision in the Parks Commission minutes.)

I'm glad Parks wants to improve access to the northern beach. The trail should be upgraded to meet city and federal standards. Right now a loose-gravel trail runs down to the northern beach. This trail doesn't meet city standards for strollers and bicycles. It isn't likely the trail meets federal ADA standards since the beach was redeveloped over a year ago. City Parks harps on the importance of black-topped ADA & bicycle approved trails because of funding and convenience. In fact, 12 foot black-top trails are standard for most any Redmond trails connected to arterioles. They are actually "service roads" and incongruous with most park settings.

I've been trying hard to encourage Parks to build less invasive, more aesthetic, more pervious ADA approved crushed gravel trails. But Parks comprehesive plan is 4.5 years old so the commissioners have no alternatives. 12-foot black-top service roads would not be "better" at Idylwood. They'd be incompatible. Look a the gravel trail going down to Idylwood park and try to envision black-top there. For comparison, look at this photo (left) of the "trail" next to Bear Creek behind Safeway. What do you think?

Previous, compact crushed gravel trails (right picture) are eco-

friendly, easy to maintain, less invasive and can be designed to handle ADA wheelchairs, road bikes and stroller traffic. Environseal website describes one of many companies in the business.

If you like the concept of soft surface trails send your comments to: Council Parks Chair Hank Myers or Hank Margeson at council@redmond.gov. The following parties would also be interested in your comments: ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov - composed of citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor.- meet 1st Thursday of the month. PED-BIKE Citizen's Advisory Committee a small group of citizens who like to bicycle. Tell them how your feel about our trails.

* riparian vegetation is important for salmon habitat but there are no salmon in the creek. Word has it Fish & Wildlife tried to bring them back by planted eggs in the creek beds and restoring the riparian creek corridor. The salmon never survived.

CC: Parks Director Larsen, Parks & Trails Commission, Mayor, Council

A quest for "open government" in the Parks Department

Craig Larsen, Director of Parks & Recreation, Trails, Art

OPINION: Several months ago, the Parks commissioners sat nervously in council chambers in front of the full Council, Mayor, Directer Larsen and staff . They had the daunting and uncomfortable task of asking Council for a $40 million park bond! The bond request was quietly denied.

The timing of the commission's request was unusual in that it pre-empted our public "Budget by Priorities" meetings. In addition, the public passed a parks levy only a year ago. It wasn't until the Budget was released a week ago that I discovered the Administration's motive this huge park bond request. They need $37,000,000 to build two Downtown Parks. I'm all for creating a "Great City" but it would have been nice to be included in the Parks & Trails Commission planning process. We, the public did not receive the benefit of transparency and "open government" in this case. The government did not receive the benefit of our input.

Last night, I went to the Parks and Trails Commission meeting. During the weeks of November 10 & 17th the Council will consider a $43,060,000 hike of the 6-year capital budget for Parks. It was interesting the commissioners didn't once mention the park budget. Most of the discussion was about a proposal to change Cleveland Ave. and Redmond Way into 2-way streets .

Director Craig Larsen said a couple of months ago he had been planning to televise 2-3 parks commission meetings per year on RCTV-21. I keep waiting. Mr. Larsen schedules the Arts Commission 3-times per year for RCTV and their budget is tiny compared to the Parks $87,000,000 program. Wouldn't you want to dial in on occaision? Staff recently committed to posting commission meetings without 2-3 month delays. Current commissioner names and titles are being updated on RCTV and current commissioner names are now posted online. Trasparancy may be improving. I ran into Councilman Hank Margeson at the Digital Arts Festival. He had heard the Parks & Trails Commission wouldn't be holding any or their meetings on RCTV-21. I hope Hank heard wrong. The public has asked for transparency over and again; and Mayor Marchione has agreed to the values of Open Government. I'm hopeful and trusting the Administration will someday lift the darkness and move the Parks & Trails commission and public forward.

Your comments on the parks budget are welcome. Email Park Director celarsen@redmond.gov or ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov.

Footnote:

The Budget breakdown is here

cc: Parks,Trails,Art Director Larsen, Mayor, Council and commissioners