PART 4: "THIS PLACE MATTERS" - PERRIGO SPRINGS

 

Richard Morris and his dog
stand on the spillway and two children 
  holding a sign "This Place Matters."  (click pic to enlarge)

THIS PLACE MATTERS - PERRIGO SPRINGS

Perrigo Springs was Redmond's first "watering hole."  Indians and early settlers first used the spring.  "Daughters of the American Colonists" placed a 2004 rock marker and planted a Corkscrew tree near the spring. 

Perrigo Springs was purchased by the Redmond Water Department in 1914 and was the first water supply for the newly incorporated town of Redmond. A dam (spillway) was originally constructed to impound the water for storage, with the transmission main a 4” to 8” wood stave pipe. This site was Redmond’s only water supply until 1927 and served as a major source of supply until 1962. Ref: Nao Hardy, 6/07.  

The spring's water source is the Perrigo Creek wetland watershed.  Perrigo Creek drains the Hartman wetland watershed.   Its cooled water "springs up" into a shallow pond filled with natural stones. From there the spring water flows over a small concrete spillway into the creek below and continues downstream.  Upper Perrigo Creek is a dry stream bed much of the time but the spring is active all year.  

It's a quiet place. Children and small dogs playing on the spillway  These children were floating cork boats.  Musicians softly play their guitars while meditating by the Spring.  Small families picnic nearby. The city monitors and maintains the Spring site. 

This picture and story was submitted to the "National Trust for Historic Preservation contest named **THIS PLACE MATTERS."    

-- Bob Yoder 

   June 2, 2009 ,

   edited and reposted 9/28/2024

The Salmon Seeson is Upon Us!

Redmond resident John Reinke has seen salmon migrating upstream from three Redmond bridge locations:  1) Redmond Way bridge, 2) Connector Trestle bridge, and  3) the Union Hill St. bridge. 9/25/2022 report.  When the October rains come expect migrations in force up the Sammamish River and Bear Creek bridges to Juel Park, the 95th Street bridge, into Woodinville and Cottage Lake to spawn.    

ISSAQUAH SALMON DAY FESTIVAL, October 1-2.  Awesome event!  Don't miss it! 🐟🐟🐟

"Save the Salmon" is an advocacy group to protect Lake Sammamish salmon. Great website.

10/1/2022

Home prices and population skyrocketing

Richard and Eileen  Morris

Thousands of Microsoft, Nintendo and other employees commute into Redmond every day raising the daytime population almost three-fold.  Of course most prefer living in Redmond to avoid the commute and to live in the premier LW school district. Supply simply can't keep up with demand and prices are skyrocketing.  Typically a bidding war begins right after a house is listed with the deal closed within a week.

My long-time friend and neighbor Richard and Eileen Morris sold their Education Hill, 2490 sf house for an incredible $906,000. They purchased it in 1982 for $100,000.  I'm really going to miss them but it's his time to retire (and "get the hell out of dodge." as I like to say.)  He, like many old-timers was a passionate community volunteer.   Richard spent hours building-out the Redmond Historical Society website and was honored the "History Hero" in 2012,  I will miss them dearly but they're not far away!

B. Yoder

Redmond growth will accelerate for years.  Currently our resident population is close to 68,000.  According to city projections,78,000 residents are expected by 2030.

  

Downtown Redmond Parkscape

Richard Morris at SW corner of the Downtown Park.  (double click picture to enlarge)

look at the vanishing ridge of green trees

My e-bike hill climb

Richard Morris holding the PIM bike (see the battery?)

We had our first good weather in months today!  The sun even came out!  It was time to finally roll my PIM e-bike (electric bicycle) demo out from the garage.  I invited my neighbor, Richard Morris, to come over, check it out; he immediately wanted on.   Richard walks 2-3 miles everyday with his dog so had no problem climbing this gentle hill  He didn't need any power, just down-shifted some. I think this particular bike has 18 gears....just like a regular bike.

I tried the bike months ago but it was way too frigid to shift and I was in crappy shape.  I was dying to get out today to try Power level 3 since I had trouble finding it earlier.  I needed Power 3 to get up 166th.  Pam, my wife, was on me to be safe so I took 171st from the Redmond Bike Park down to Redmond El. (virtually no traffic.)   A few huffs or two and I was up.  Yikes! ...next time I'll gear up for a better fat-burn.

It was awesome to get some fresh air and see the green native-growth easement again.

B. Yoder

Historical Society's Walking Tour App Debut

The Redmond Historical Society recently launched its "Steps in Time" mobile App. The App  gives a walking tour of Redmond's landmark buildings, its cemetery, and other places of Redmond history.  Historian Tom Hitzroth created the guide and gives customized walking tours on a regular basis.  Register here.

The launch event was creative and fun, featuring costumed society members, interesting stories by Hitzroth, and youth coloring programs.  

Redmond Historical Society senior V.P. Mary Hanson coined the App "Steps in Time"

Richard Morris is the society webmaster

 

RHS President Joe Townsend's notebook page 

Historian Tom Hitzroth tells his story - don't miss it!

https://youtu.be/axFaj2aFsmI

John Tosh Homestead, by Hitzroth

https://youtu.be/gWnK_0fxSVY  

 Miguel Llanos, co-founder of Redmond Historical
Society and Redmond's friendliest cop.  

The costumes were donated by A Masquerade Costume  and bags to carry home literature and small gifts donated by city businesses. 

Posted by Yoder, March 2017, Edited 5/20/2024

Redmond Historical Society "Hero Award" Recipients

History Hero Awards 2006-2014

Over the past five years the Society has given 5 "History Hero" awards to people in the community who are making a contribution to preserving and sharing history in Redmond. Here is a list of this years' and past years' recipients of the award: 

2001    Tom Fix. City of Redmond

2001    Dale Potter, Member & volunteer

2001    William "Billy" Dale Tibbits

2006    Rosemarie Ives, then Mayor of Redmond

2007    Charles Payton, then Director of King County's Heritage Division

2008    Dianna Brodie, then City Planner, City of Redmond

2009    Randy and Stephanie Reeves and Paul and Patty Gordon, owners of the Stone House

2010    Brad Best, owner Brad Best Reality

2011    John Couch, Former Redmond Parks Director of 30 years.

2012    Naomi and Jerry Hardy, RHS Co-founder, Historian; Jerry’s support

2012    Richard Morris, Webmaster, 2008 to 2013

2013    Gene and Cheryl Magnuson, society photographer and exhibit designers

2014    Miguel Llanos, co-founder and Newsletter editor for 16 years

We thank all the award winners for helping the Redmond Historical Society's mission of ensuring our History for future generations.

   -- The above article was found on the Redmond Historical Society web site: redmondhistoricalsociety.org

My Notes & Comments:

Tom Fix played a key role during the installation of the Perrigo Springs historical marker

Rosemarie Ives:  I've had long phone talks with Rosemarie over the years for one reason or the other. It's a bit challenging to put a word in.   Rosemarie probably knows more current city "history"  than any member of the Redmond Historical Society, but I feel she's frustrated because she doesn't seem to have an outlet.  Hopefully, the Society will  someday embrace her and record more of her knowledge and experiences.  A podcast would be nice.  Perhaps the society could fund a biography.

Running With Dogs on the Power Line Trail

Richard holding Sadie (2008)

Republished in memory of Richard's dog, Sadie -- 

For the past year or so, I have been running daily with two Australian Shepherds. I have been taking care of my daugther's dog, Scooby, while she is living in the U.K. It is a learning experience for me to watch these herding dogs in action, trying their best to round up squirrels and rabbits that happen to cross our path. These are hard working dogs and love to punch a time clock. Typically, we start out around 7:00 AM, and if possible again at 5:00PM. These hard working dogs mostly sleep all day, but they keep a watch at my living room window. They let me know if any thing unusual happens to walk into our front yard. They have excellent eye sight, and a healthy bark to warn me of any out-of-the-ordinary visitors. Mostly, they know the sound of my car, and of my wife's truck, and stay quiet when we pull into our drive way. Read More >>

City moves forward on plan to re-locate Evans Creek

Evans Creek headwaters are in East King County along the Old Red Brick Road.  The creek continues north and west through SE Redmond industries, past Keller Farm, before it's confluence with Bear Creek.   Bear Creek flows into the Sammamish River which flows into Lake Washington and Puget Sound.

On May 1, the Redmond city council approved land acquisitions to relocate Evans Creek north and east and away from SE Redmond industries. (See map).  If negotiations to purchase the property are unsuccessful the Council approved  use of eminent domain.

The benefits of re-locating Evans Creek are many.  Relocation: 1) improves habitat for wild salmon and wildlife, 2)  increases the land values and opportunity for redevelopment of industrial properties, 3) encourages clean-up of hazardous waste and further safeguards the city aquifer 4) improves flood water conveyence, 5) enhances Bear-Evans Creek Trail recreation with restored riparian habitat.

Evans Creek is an important and valuable stream in SE Redmond that's been heavily impacted by industrial development and permiting violations, as has "AWR."  Read More >>

LETTER: Commercial development in our neighborhoods? Enough is Enough.

LETTER:  "The Planning commission writes, "We certainly understand the need to keep residential development and rendering plants separate, but do not see the immediate incompatibility of a corner coffee shop, produce store or bakery with the needs of residents who might walk to such an establishment." This kind of "planning" seems very out of touch with reality. The reality is that development in each zone is largely complete. We already have plenty of coffee shops, produce stores, and bakery shops in Redmond. We folks moved out to the suburbs (Redmond) and fell into the State Growth Management Act (1990). A tension was established that pits constant development with a desire for open space, and quality of life. Enough is enough. Let us live in peace, without commercial development in our neighborhoods."

By Richard Morris

Education Hill

This opinion is an excerpted, signed comment written under the post about 'Two planning commissioners Minority report on micro-level neighborhood commercial.'   Your Letters and Opinions are welcome.  Please send them by comment or to my email.   Include your name if you are comfortable doing so.  B.Y.

Hague reverses position and now supports temporary $20 tab charge

"HERE IS SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS FROM JANE HAGUE -- something moved her to change her position..."    --Richard Morris, Education Hill Neighbor, Redmond, 8/12

Dear Neighbor,

Today I announced my support of the temporary $20 “Congestion Reduction Charge.” My support comes as a result of a bipartisan agreement which addresses my primary concerns regarding the future of Metro.

First, the new legislative package preserves service on the Eastside – nearly 120,000 hours which were slated to be cut. Second, it takes critical steps to make Metro more financially sustainable.

This new proposal initiates meaningful reform that protects jobs and reduces waste. Among the elements of the agreement:

 · The preservation of current levels of Metro service on the Greater Eastside. Under the previous proposal, Eastside service would have been cut by 120,000 hours.

· Implementation of “right-sizing” consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan. Rather than eliminating low-ridership routes that serve lower-density areas, Metro will deploy lower-cost, more efficient Dial-a-Ride Transit service (DART), community access transportation services, Vanpools and vanshares, which will make Metro more efficient and responsive to riders.

· A Transit Incentive Program that will provide eight bus tickets, up to $24, in exchange for each car tab renewal. Individuals will be able to use the tickets for bus rides to anywhere within the county. Or they can choose to donate the value of those tickets for distribution by select human service agencies.

· A phase out of the downtown Seattle Ride Free Area in October 2012, which was called for by the County Council’s 2009 Metro performance audit. The elimination will save $2.2 million a year.

· Language consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan that calls for routes which carry more riders due to the effect of highway tolling, including SR-520, as candidates for added service. I’ve always been a supporter of transit in King County. It is critical that we keep people and businesses moving – especially during this tough economic time.

For more information on the agreement see the press release below. I also want to thank the thousands of concerned citizens that wrote me and voiced their concern. I value your feedback.

For More Information on the New Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC) Click Here 

Click Here to see a Comparison Chart

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague    http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague  

LETTER: King County Councilmember Jane Hague explains position on $20 car tab fee

Jane Hague responds to Richard Morris's "Save Your Bus!" query, on the proposed $20 car tab increase to support METRO.  Richard recommends R-Trip incentives.  Mr. Morris, an Education Hill Neighbor, shares Hague's response...

Incumbant Jane Hague, Pos. 6

King County Coumcilmemmber

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for writing me and voicing your concern over the proposed $20 car tabs fee.

As you may have read, a vote on the “congestion reduction fee” was expected to take place at the July 25th Council meeting. Instead, this vote was unexpectedly delayed until August 15th. I still oppose a councilmanic adoption of the $20 car tab increase. Further, I am concerned by the fact that the $20 fee will still result in a reduction of bus service for the Eastside and that Metro has not fully implemented plans to control its ongoing budget growth.

As a firm supporter of transit, I have said consistently through this debate that I have many concerns about Metro’s future. First, as I mentioned above, significant route eliminations and reductions on the Eastside will occur even if the car tab fee is implemented. These service hours will be allocated elsewhere. Eastsiders will ultimately be paying for service they will not receive. Second, long term solutions for Metro’s future have yet to be discussed. The fee doesn’t solve the underlying issues and uses important reserves to fill-in budget holes.

I don’t think it’s responsible to my constituents in District 6, nor the people of King County, to endorse a weak “band-aid” solution. Again, thank you for writing. Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I look forward to continuing this debate.

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov 

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague  http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague

"Save Your Bus Route!", By Richard Morris

King County Council member Jane Hague

3rd from the left

Save Your Bus Route!

LETTER:  If the Congestion Reduction Charge (temporary two-year $20 car tab fee) doesn't pass, several routes are scheduled to be eliminated or scheduled for service reductions and revisions.

Because of the recession, King County Metro's funding from sales tax has plummeted. Metro has already undertaken extreme efficiency measures to keep the buses running, but they are facing a 17% budget gap. Without the temporary $20 car tab fee, King County Metro will have to cut bus service by 17 percent!

This would mean 177 bus routes under King County Metro would be slashed, reduced, or even eliminated. 36% of commuters in King County currently use the bus.

We need transit to reduce commuter gridlock and protect the environment. People rely on King County Metro buses to get to work, school and the hospital. In fact, these cuts will disproportionately affect people of color, immigrants and our elders who make up a large percentage of transit-dependent riders throughout King County.

On August 15, six votes are needed by King County Council to pass an emergency ordinance to put the measure on the ballot or to approve the measure without requiring a public vote.

Please email Council member Jane Hague and urge her to vote YES on The Congestion Reduction Charge on August 15. jane.hague@kingcounty.gov  [and email Council member Kathy Lambert at:  kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov].

By Richard Morris

Redmond, WA.

Photo:  courtesy King County website

Redmond Historical Society (RHS) is approaching 100 meetings

RHS Past President Judy Lang & Current President, ex-Mayor Chris Himes (right)

“Did you know that we are approaching 100 general meetings,” our website guru Richard Morris asks?  He
knows because thanks to Nao Hardy’s work we have an online list of meetings showing who spoke at each one and when.  To find the list go to http://www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/

By Miguel Llanos
Editor, Redmond Historical Society Newsletter

Richard Morris is my neighbor and the original contributor to Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB).  You can find his stories and posts here.  B. Yoder

Ex-Mayor Chris Himes spoke at the August 6 "First Friday Coffee Chat" sponsored by the Senior Center.  Read the Redmond Reporter article on Mayor Himes talk.  B. Yoder

RHS Founder Naomi Hardy "Redmond Reflections - from settlers to software"  is available on Amazon, the library, and all local bookstores.  B. Yoder

LETTER: Give parents incentives to bus their kids rather than drive

As a regular Metro bus commuter, I can't help but notice the daily commuters entering Redmond Junior High School. There is another traffic "hot spot" just around the corner at Horace Mann Elementary... I am a regular participant of Redmond R-Trip.  R-Trip gives incentives for using alternate forms of commuting.

Thinking "out side the box", what if a similar program could be launched for rewarding parents to put their kids on the school bus?

Here is how it could work. Using Redmond R-Trip as a model, parents would record the daily use of the school bus for their child. After completing 60 round trips, the parent would be rewarded. In my case, I received a $50.00 gift card for Amazon.com

It is ironic that we expect our schools to teach something about "going green." Then, we parents drive our kids over to the school house and completely cancel out any kind of "green" commuting by dismissing the school bus.

By Richard Morris

Education Hill neighbor

LETTER: Should Year-Round Schooling be an option for managing LW District growth?

Richard Morris and Sadie

 Before we moved to Redmond, my family lived in a number of states due to military duty. Colorado Springs used a year-round school schedule to reduce overcrowding in its schools. In a nutshell, our school facilities sit idle for approximately 12 weeks during the summer break. Year-round scheduling utilizes that 12 week break by implementing multi-track schedules. 

Year-Round School is the scheduling of educational institutions so that students take class throughout the entire calendar year. A motivation is that higher student throughput is accomplished via more effective scheduling of school resources. Year round schedules deliver the same number of total days of classroom education and vacation as traditional calendars, distributed differently throughout the year. Funding considerations favor multi-tracking students, which allows more students to use the same number of classrooms, instead of constructing entirely new schools. Some institutions use this method to relieve overcrowding in some of the larger schools.

Advocates claim that year-round calendars help students achieve higher and allow teachers to provide more effective education. Reports from the California State Department Of Education show that standardized reading test scores increased 19.3% for year-round grade school students[1] and that a greater number of year-round students met state score objectives than those on traditional schedules[1]. Conversely, opponents insist that year-round education is detrimental to student learning. Some school board officials and studies indicate negative impacts of schedule changes and year-round education. Lawsuits have even been filed against various school districts to block or ban year-round calendars,[2] charging that year-round education is "harmful to students."
 
By Richard Morris
Education Hill - Redmond
i Phone Photo by Yoder

LWSD Overcrowding input session schedule:
Tuesday, September 28, Eastlake High School, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, September 30, Juanita High School, 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6, L.E. Scarr Resource Center, Redmond Town Center, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

What business operated for 47 years before being replaced by Willows Run Golf Course?

Vegetable Farming in 1921 before Golfing at Willows Run

- excerpt from the Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Miguel Llanos, Editor

The Willows Run Golf Course now dominates the Sammamish Valley area near downtown, but back in the old days the Aries family’s produce farm was the center of attraction.

Redmond Historical Society President Pro Tem Judy Aries Lang was born into that Italian family as was her sister Angela – and both pulled a few carrots and worked in the packing shed at Aries Gardens.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10.30-noon at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, the sisters will take folks on a slideshow and video tour. All are welcome.

“The farm started with three partners in 1921 and 6 acres,” Judy recalls. “By 1928, it had 9 partners and 87 acres and was the largest in the valley, according to the East Side Journal. In 1930, they employed about 80 farm hands at the busiest time.”

“Head lettuce was the biggest crop, with half the acreage planted in lettuce,” Judy adds, “but over the years they also grew carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, turnips, spinach, potatoes and pumpkins.”

The farm closed in 1968 with an equipment auction, of which a video was made, part of which will be shown at the meeting. “All the big veggie farms folded around this time,” Judy says. “An end to the era of truck farming in the valley.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With assistance from my neighbor, Richard Morris, The Redmond Historical Society has created a new Web site -- with a new address: redmondhistoricalsociety.org. Check it out!

Here’s a sample of what you’ll find: 1) Past newsletters to 2001, 2)Select biographies
3) List of items we sell (great holiday gift ideas!) 4) Upcoming heritage events
5) Video clips (e.g. Derby Days; and one of the last trains through town)

Running with Dogs -- Ashford Trail

Contributed by Richard Morris
Here is how the city of Redmond describes Ashford Trail 1/4 mile: Soft surface equestrian and hiking trail linking Hartman Park with Avondale Road through the Ashford Park development along 180 Ave NE.
Ashford Trail has historical roots. This short trail follows alongside Perrigo Creek, which begins at the top of Education Hill, and ends when it joins Bear Creek. Perrigo Springs, long ago, served as the source of water for Redmond. The pioneer-day Perrigo Farm on top of Education Hill used water from Perrigo Springs.

Naomi Hardy, Redmond Historical Society, contributed this bit of history: "The little Perrigo Springs was purchased by the Redmond Water Department in 1914 and was the first water supply for the newly incorporated town of Redmond. A dam was originally constructed to impound the water for storage, with the transmission main a 4” to 8” wood stave pipe. This site was Redmond’s only water supply until 1927 and served as a major source of supply until 1962. Currently the spring is still there, trickling through a small, forested valley, past the city’s Perrigo Springs Reservoir and makes its way to Bear Creek. There is a wide trail near the spring that goes up Education Hill. Hikers and school kids and the curious use this trail".
Near the reservoir is a commemorative tree and plaque marking this historic water source. You can read more about historic Perrigo Springs on a previous post

Ashford Trail before it was widened and graveled by the City

You can enter the Ashford Trail from Avondale at 180th Ave. This is the entrace to Ashford Park, a condominium community in Redmond. Just drive (or bike) up 180th Ave, until the road ends. There is a water tower (recently renovated by the Water Department) and an old concrete dam across Perrigo Creek. A camera was installed at the top of the water tower to record people who might damage the marker and Corkscrew Willow tree.  See a map of this area.

Richard Morris with Saddie

You can also enter the Ashford Trail from the top of Education Hill where NE100th St ends at 171st Ave NE. The first 1/2 mile walk is flat, then the trail sharply descends to the water tower and becomes 180th Ave NE. If this steep trail looks to difficult, you can cross over Perrigo Creek and enter the "back side" of Hartman Park. This short connector trail comes out on 176th Ave NE (King County Swimming pool is located at the end of this street).

If you are adventurous, and like a hiking challenge, walk down Avondale (south towards Redmond Town Center), until you reach NE 88th PL . Go the end of the road, and you will find a trail leading up Education Hill. You can climb back up the hill (very steep) and the trail comes out at Nike Park. My companion dog, Sadie, is good at scrambling up the steep slope, but it is slow climb for me to find my footing on the loose forest soil.
Richard Morris, co-author, Education Hill neighborhood

A Walk in the Park -- Marymoor Part 2

I consider Marymoor Park as the center piece of Redmond. Did you know the Redmond Historical Society was once located in an office at Marymoor Park, and provided tours of the Historic Willowmoor Farm? Clise Mansion sits at the heart of the historic Willowmoor Farm in Marymoor Park. The newly renovated East Garden features a gazebo for outdoor ceremonies, perennial beds, and flowering trellises. The East Garden is enclosed and offers privacy for all of your events. This is great spot for an outdoor wedding.

When Dudley Carter was 96 years old he became the first artist-in-residence of the King County Parks and Recreation Department. [Seattle PI article] Dudley Carter, Redmond's most famous artist, had a home at 7747 159th Place Northeast in Redmond. Located in Slough Park, the house was named "Haida House Studio." The Haida were one of the tribes that lived in the Pacific Northwest. [Resources on the Haida] The studio is now owned by the city of Redmond. Upon his death, Congressman Rod Chandler honored Dudley Carter with remarks in the Congressional Record.

Marymoor Park serves as a transportation link in two regional trails. The Sammamish River Trail (SRT) connects Marymoor to the Bothell Landing. This is about a 10 mile paved trail. After Bothell Landing, the trail continues onto the Burke-Gilman, which follows along Lake Washington and ends near the University of Washington at Gas Works Park. Also, Marymoor will soon connect to the East Lake Sammamish trail, which was built over the railroad bed running from Redmond to Issaquah.

The SRT is paved its entire length and is one of King County’s most popular regional trails. The trail offers extraordinary views of the river, the broad Sammamish River Valley, Cascade foothills and Mt. Rainier. Bicyclists, joggers, skaters, walkers, and others enjoy the trail as a regional recreation resource. [ Biking Along the Trail ]

The SRT is also used extensively by bicyclists as a nonmortorized corridor between suburban cities and Seattle. A separate soft-surface path runs parallel to the trail between Woodinville and Marymoor Park and provides access for equestrians. Starting at its intersection with the Burke-Gilman Trail near Blyth Park in the City of Bothell. (map)

The SRT continues east and south through Woodinville and Redmond, passing Bothell Landing, Sammamish River Park, Wilmot Gateway Park in Woodinville, Northshore Athletic Fields, Woodinville’s wineries and breweries, Sixty Acres Park, and Redmond City Hall and parks before entering King County’s Marymoor Park.

A trail extension is currently under development to connect the trail with the East Lake Sammamish Trail via Marymoor Park. The trail also provides access to the Power Line and the Bear Creek Trails in Redmond.

Back again this year and beginning April 24th is Cirque Du Soleil.

East Redmond Park & Trail Corridor Plan

Eastern Corridor Park Property Master Plan - "String of Pearls"

The City of Redmond Parks and Recreation recently held its first of two community workshops on our Eastern Corridor of parks and trails. Linkage of five creek-lined, parks with trails and ideas for "best uses" were discussed. Parks planner, Linda Frkuska facilitated the meeting stating: "This collection of Parks is a tremendous asset to Redmond and we want to make sure we are shaping them for the people that will use and enjoy them.". The Eastern Corridor parks, from north to south, are Juel Community Park, Ferrel-McWhirter, Conrad Olson, Perrigo and Arthur Johnson. Approximately 20 citizens attended, including councilmembers Nancy McCormick and briefly, Hank Margeson. Hank was past Vice-chair of the Parks Commission. Hank's family enjoys the Pony Club at Ferrel-McWhirter and soccer fields at Perrigo. Three citizen interest groups were noticeably present:

• Equestrian interests - horse trails at Juel and Perrigo; preference for soft trails; a covered arena at Farrel-McWhirter; signage to warn mountain bikers near the Avondale-PS trail.
• Bear and Evans Creek natural area interests - pervious, narrower trails; attention to the preserving the natural environment; environmental education; trail location & best use.
• Sports interests - Cricket use of Juel Park. Disc golf at Juel. Mountain biking clubs did not attend.

Guy Mikelson, a Seattle consultant of Berger Partnership, led discussion by suggesting three themes for the eastern corridor: 1) history, 2) environmental, 3) "linear arboretum" . Bear and Evans Creek riparian habitat touches all five parks and is the signature piece connecting all parks. Historical buildings add interest and possible uses by "artists in residence" and heritage exhibits.

Miguel Llanos, Redmond Historical Vice President, recommended signage along the future connecting trail to explain the area’s natural (salmon and other wildlife) and human (Native Americans, loggers, farmers) heritage. He suggested the historic Conrad Olsen barn, Juel house and Perrigo Park barn as possible locations for heritage displays and a quasi-museum.

Citizens having interests in using this corridor should contact the Parks Commission or a staff. A final meeting will be held on Thursday, June 5th, 7pm, Old Redmond School House Community Center. Public is invited.  

-- Bob Yoder & Richard Morris, Education Hill neighborhood