Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives Recounts Her Accomplishments

I asked Rosemarie if she would describe her three greatest accomplishments as Mayor of Redmond. She kindly offered the following:  BY

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch standing behind the memorial bench honoring 
 Don and Elaine Smith, donors of the land developed into Smith Woods Park. 
John Couch was Redmond Parks and Recreation Director for ~ 30 years.
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

Mayor Emeritus Rosemarie Ives says...  Elected in 1991, served unprecedented four terms as the full-time Redmond mayor for  16 years --1992-2007

Greatest accomplishment? Wow?  2 others? When I think back to my initial campaign, there were four parts to my platform:  environmental stewardship, youth agenda, fiscal responsibility, and outreach to the public especially the residents.And with each re-election, those priorities never changed and probably I was more passionate about them with each re-election.

 

Environmental stewardship:  three? examples

Since we just walked Smith Woods, one that I would mention is that the City went from 16 parks when I started  to 36 when I chose to retire.

 

Then there's Riverwalk, the stretch of Sammamish Trail from NE 90th Street Bridge down to Leary Way Bridge. Four projects  re-channeled  the river making the river environment better for salmon, its flora and fauna as well as creating more water capacity within the new sculpted banks of the river that would protect downtown from flooding. 

 

In 1997 when pressure was great to allow development to proceed at a pace where the city could not handle many aspects such as building inspections, the costs of the city's part of the infrastructure and couldn't guarantee adopted  levels of service, I proposed a focused moratorium  on some new construction that lasted for 18 months. 

 

Youth agenda:

Old Firehouse Teen center, Skateboard park, youth members appointed to city parks board and arts commission,

Youth in Government Day

 

Outreach:

In every major decision making, I would always ask how it would impact the residents of Redmond in the near term and in the future. We introduced many different ways, both formal and informal for our growing diverse public to provide input in a timely manner far in advance of decisions being made.  I personally was "present" all around town a little less than 24/7.  

 

The month long Redmond Lights,, a celebration of Redmond's diversity, was an idea that I came up within 1999 for luminarias along Riverwalk.   At intervals there would be performers representing cultures, customs and faith representations from around the world.    

With regard to the Smiths...Don and Elaine Smith sold the first five acres in early 2000. From when I first met them, they were very clear that they wanted their property to remain as open space, perfect for a park. It was a beautiful piece of land with a creek and small pond, wonderful sequoia and fir trees and an extensive collection of dahlias. After Don died in 2009 they sold the remaining five acres to the city and Elaine moved to Emerald Heights where she resides now. I am in communication with their daughter Kathy.

-- Rosemarie Ives, February 25th, 2022

I would add Rosemarie is still very active in politics. She's been the pillar of Steve Fields' two campaigns for Mayor and two campaigns for Council. Fields says "she knows a lot of people." BY. 

ARCHIVE:

Rosemary's retirement story.

Mayor Emeritus Rosemary Ives Protests Group Health's 28 acre clear-cut

Redmond Celebrates Land Donation, Develops Smith Woods Park

 Don and Elaine Smith always had the idea of turning their 10 acres of diverse natural land into a public park and wanted to keep it natural for the enjoyment of others in the community. Don died in 2009 at age 94, Elaine now lives in Emerald Heights. She turned 97 on New Years Day, 2022.

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

 Forest Steward LeAnne Ludwig, Rosemarie Ives and
Gary Smith, Chair Parks and Trails Commission and Project manager.
Gary made it all happen.
Donors Don and Elaine Smith's memorial bench.
Photo credit / Kerry Smith

 

Rosemarie Ives with John Couch, Parks and Recreation Director of ~ 30 years
Photo Credit / Kerry Smith

 r-l, Leanne Ludwig,Smith Woods Forest Steward, John Couch,
Rosemarie Ives, Jon Ives,Gary Smith, Gary's daughter Kim with dogs, Gary's granddaughter Sabrina. Celebrating the new memorial Ginkgo tree. Photo credit / Kerry Smith

Memorial Bench in honor of Donald A. Smith and Elaine E. Smith and their family
who shaped the land. Bench donors: Linda & "Kip" Hussey, Mayor Rosemarie Ives (1992-2007,)
Pat and Kathy Curry.
Photo credit / Kerry Smith

LAND DESCRIPTION:  "The 5-acre western half is heavily vegetated on a gently sloping floodplain with multiple wetlands and a seasonal stream (and pond which is the headwaters of Monticello Creek).  The 5-acre eastern half of the property has large expanses of grass and beautiful mature trees, including Sequoia, Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Ginkgo. There’s a north-south trail on each half of the property."

 -- Gary Smith.

The event was held on 2/21/2022 

Kerry Smith photographed.

Smith Woods Park is a few blocks east of Clara Barton school. 177th Ct NE &, NE 122nd St, 

Posted and edited by Yoder 3/3/2022

Exciting Senior & Community Center Updates

 

  Do you see the black solar panels on the roof?  Will there be space for green roof tops?

Per Business Council meeting of 2/1/2022:  Senior & Community Center updates:  

1)  Vice President Vanessa Kritzer announced the possibility of Green (Roof) Tops at the Center.  President Jessica Forsythe has advocated for green roof tops for years.  Jessica asked staff for maintenance costs.  Eric Dawson, Public Works and project lead estimated a green top would cost about $15,000.  He felt it would easily fit in the budget. Hopefully, this will be the first of many green tops on City buildings.  

2)  Design costs of the Center are increasing with inflation.  The cost will be $52,000,000 if Council passes an ordinance to cover a $4,000,000 shortfall.  Public Works "value engineered" the project saving $2,480,000.  

3) Most of the funding is collected from the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) $17,116,000 and a "councilmanic" bond. The CIP is funded by taxpayers. 

Total debt payments on the councilmanic bond are $32,217,000 over twenty years. Cumulative interest over twenty years is $8,264,000. The interest rate is 3%. President Forsythe was concerned about the rate rising.  Councilmanic bonds are not voter approved. 

Here's some upbeat news.  The councilmanic bond can be spent as one-time money for construction of the Center.  President Forsythe questioned having enough one-time money to "go around" towards other projects.  Parks Director Carrie Hite wasn't too concerned stating the 2022 CIP was "robust." The final decision is expected in June.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, Internet, 2/1/2022

OPINION:  Director Carrie Hite was released or resigned from her position just recently.  Council decided not to use the councilmanic bond to fund construction of the Senior/Comm. Center. Council may have decided the 2022 CIP was not robust and perhaps didn't like staff making budget decisions. Council President Forsythe was concerned the 3% interest rate would increase with inflation.  My guess is she has other places to use the bond in the immediate future. Losing Director Hite is a big loss IMO.

Forest Steward Gary Smith Leads Work Party At Smith Woods Park

Green Redmond organized a work party at Smith Woods Park today to mulch a trail from it's eastside towards the park's western wetland.  Gary Smith, a long-time Forest Steward & Chair of the Parks and Trails Commission managed the project.  Sharon from City Parks worked hard and kept a close eye on the pitchforks, iron rakes and awesome ergonomic wheelbarrows.  About twenty-five neighborhood volunteers literally "pitched" in, laying 15 yards of mulch to build the trail.  Mulching six inches deep was necessary. We completed the project in only 2.5 hours.

The trail is an east-west connector with a destination to a donated park bench honoring the Smith family.  A ceremony to dedicate the bench is planned for next month. 

Forest Steward Gary Smith is in the foreground catching his breath.  The trail heads west from here towards the wetland and future honorary bench.  Double click to enlarge.

Gary is standing left side of the mulch pile, Sharon is second from the right. So sorry the photo is blurred. Click pic to enlarge.

Internet

 Gary's been the Forest Steward at Idlewood Park for years. Here he's educating a child on restoration.  Learn more about Gary HERE (scroll)

Bob Yoder, Photos and Report, 1/15/2022

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

City Replaces Idylwood Park Dock, Designs New Restroom, Concession, And Activity Building

This drawing is a concept for the Idylwood Park new restroom, concession, and activity building, which could also include outdoor seating and would be scaled and designed to fit the site.

In the 2004 Park Opportunity Plan, the community identified the following important projects in that plan that have yet to be completed and "may be funded by this levy"  (what levy?) 

• Renovate the existing concession and restroom building and explore the feasibility of a water activity building within the park (i.e.; programmable space and/or meeting space, boat storage, maintenance support area, deck or patio).
• Increase on-site parking to 80-90 spaces and manage parking lot surface drainage to enhance water quality. Provide access to “car top” non-motorized boat launch area.
• Reinforce the pedestrian crossing at 177th Ave NE and West Lake Sammamish Parkway.

More than 20 years later, these facilities are now in dire need of replacement. The concession and restroom building replacement is a necessary structural and safety improvement and an opportunity to consider inclusion of water activity amenities in the building. 

The Idylwood Park dock will be replaced with aluminum materials.  Improvements include a non-slip surface, ADA compliant handrails for fishing activities, and a new swim ladder. The new dock replaces the original structure built in the 1970’s.

Idylwood Park is regional and enjoyed by 42,000 visitors during the summer.  I'd like the City to identify users outside of our jurisdiction, charge a fee, to make room for Redmondites and contribute to maintenance. This is a free beach and attracts many outsiders, yet we pay the levy.  B. Yoder

Leashed Dogs Are Enjoying The Downtown Park

"Buttons is ~maybe~ the first dog in Downtown Park."

"I like to think he was the first dog in Downtown Park- the fencing had just come down. It’s amazing to see in just three years how many people, families, and dogs are enjoying this space!"

-- Mayor Angela Birney and her dog "Buttons."

Facebook, 9/14/2021

UPDATED: Dog Parks In Redmond

As Redmond grows so does our need for dog parks.  The downtown park (?) and Marymoor park can't do it all. 🐕,  Off leash "Pop Up Dog Parks" are a solution many cities are employing.  Below, is an orange City of Kirkland pop up.  Kirkland has three of them and all has gone so well that one will be permanent. You can't see it in this picture but there's also a smaller park for the little guys.  

Temporary pop up in a Kirkland park / B. Yoder

Potential dog park area near Soul Food / B. Yoder

During "Redmond Lights" Gary Smith, Parks Commission Chair, pointed out this green patch of land.  He thought it had potential for a dog park. For orientation, the land is west of Discover Yoga; it's the structure you're looking at. And it's behind Soul Food.  There may not be enough acreage for large and small dogs, but small dogs could romp. Unfortunately, the owner is Mr. Nelson.  His attorney said the land won't be used for a dog park area.

Smith Woods Park in northern Redmond is a 10 acre, mostly grassy place.  It might be a perfect location for those that don't want to drive all the way to Marymoor Park and to serve Redmondites in general. Can you think of other locations?  

--Bob Yoder, 8/28/2021

Outdoor Art Mutes Apartment Construction

(double click to enlarge)

Outdoor butterfly art is resting on the Downtown Park.  Porch + Park apartment construction is in the background.  I saw this art while participating in Janet Richards' council campaign.

-- Bob Yoder, 8/1/2021

    Photo, Yoder

Redmond Pool Outdoor Art

 

Do you see: 5 bicycles?  A flying fish?  A salmon?  Moose?  Whale?  Squid?  A Dog?  Dog bone? Bass? My daughter?

The Pool is Open

The Redmond Pools was previously closed for a two-phase improvement project. Construction was completed at the end of April 2021, and the pool is open. The City's Operational partner, Wave Aquatics, has information on programs and activities. To plan your visit, please go to www.waveaquatics.org.  Again, the pool is open.  I saw few swimmers there today, Saturday.  Go for it!  It's an awesome renovation. The City did a great job!

-- Bob Yoder & redmond.gov, 7/31/2021

   Photo, Yoder

Click this link for the artist's website. His background is amazing.  

UPDATED: Bulldozer Treads On Redmond's Oldest Park

Anderson Park waterline replacement.  There must be a less invasive way.  A city worker says the pipe was circa 1960's.
--Bob Yoder, Photo 7/2021

 
 

The Downtown Park Will Soon be Surrounded by Apartments

"Porch + Park" - double click to enlarge/Photo Yoder

Construction of the six story "Porch + Park" mixed use project is well under way.  You are looking west from the western most part of the Downtown Park. (A concrete "plaza" borders the grass.) When the project is complete the Park will be fully surrounded by retail, restaurants, apartments and condominiums; except for the pavillion and Stone House on the eastside.  Apartment buildings dominate by far.  

FLASH:  I was driving by the Park at 7:30 tonight (Wednesday.)  It was vibrant and loaded with people!  I've never seen so many without an event. Mayor Birney must be very happy.  

Credit, Porch + Park website

-- Bob Yoder, 7/21/2021 

Temperatures reach historic highs -- 109 degrees in Redmond

 

Do you know what Redmond park this is?
redmond.gov

Due to the continued high temperatures, Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th St.) has extended community cooling center hours today until 9 p.m. and will be open again tomorrow, June 29, from 12 pm – 9 pm. Visitors must wear a face covering unless fully vaccinated. Please bring your own refillable water bottle. http://ow.ly/qlYC50FkdKs

-- Mayor Angela Birney, Facebook, 6/28/2021

We had three days over 100 degress.  

Redmond Downtown Park In Full Bloom

Plum trees spill out beauty while a distant blue crane reminds us of what's to come

I assumed these were Cherry trees and to confirm used the Google application.  Plum trees were suggested.   Photo, Bob Yoder, 4/2/2021

"Prunus mume is an East Asian and Southeast Asian tree species with common names of Chinese and Japanese plum trees. The flower, is a long beloved subject in the traditional painting and poetry of East Asia and Vietnam."

-- Wikipedia

Un-named City Trail Is A Gem

One of the great things about Redmond is its neighborhood trails!  Lately I've been extremely stressed by the insurrection, pandemic and my personal health care issues.  Hiking on this forested trail, and others, is my "best personal practice" for dealing with stress and improving my mental health.  

 I was on a trail today leading me to this forest. Highly recommended -  birds flitting in thickets, no bikes, few hikers, greenery - a gem.  It's a mile or so.  The trailhead is at 104th / flashing crosswalk. It first parallels the western fencing of Redmond High School.  The forest  thickens as you approach the Emerald Heights western fencing.  Buffered residential properties are on the West.  

About two days ago we had blustery rain storm that dropped a tree on the trail; I had to turn back.  (I was surprised the trail was in Redmond's jurisdiction.)  Had it not been obstructed one can hike to the street, take  about 60 steps up the hill, then jag off the street to the trail on the right. The trail ends at 111th Street.  From there I walk to 166th and home.  

The trail is still closed owing to tree removal.  - 1/29/2021. It's taped off at 104th now too. 

Happy hiking!  Bob Yoder, 1/15/2021

2020 Redmond Lights Extended For Safety

Downtown Park

Festivities have been extended this year (December 4 - January 3) to allow for physical distancing and safety precautions. I assume for physical distancing.) Redmond Lights is a celebration of light, art, and culture. This winter experience is a month-long art and light installation at Downtown Park. Follow the lights down Cleveland and 164th by foot or by car to Redmond Town Center where the festivities continue with Santa, business window decorating contests, and blinker stops. Honoring the holiday spirit that is an integral part of the community, this years’ experience will emphasize hope, joy, and safety in a new way.

13 art installations are on display in the Downtown Park.  "Mexican Lanterns" is just one.

Mexican Lanterns by Hinojos & Jimenez Art

Hinojos & Jimenez Art presents, "Mexican Lanterns", inspired by papel picado or "pecked paper," a popular design form in Mexico used in banners and festivals. The lanterns contain luminous and colorful patterns of angels, the three wise men's crowns, doves, and other rich cultural images for this holiday season.  Of note, Mr. Jimenez ran for City Council this year.

-- Redmond.gov, 12/28/2020

   Photos, Yoder

Community Building Update - Chuga, Chuga

"The Council will be asked to make a decision on the Community Building 10/22/20 to move forward so staff can continue without further delay. The Council has an active motion that was postponed from the September 15, 2020 Council Business meeting and will be taken up on the October 22nd Council special meeting. 

The motion made by Councilmember Carson, seconded by Councilmember Kritzer is as follows: Authorize the Mayor and staff to move forward on the construction of a community building on the existing site of the Redmond Senior Center in the size of approximately 42,000 square feet with optional expansion capabilities with costs not to exceed $46.7M and with the funding mechanism of capital improvement program funds and councilmanic bonds." Parks Council Comm. memo 10/6/2020.

Thank you CM David Carson and CM Vanessa Kritzer for your leadership in moving this project on, I've never seen a valuable Redmond project like this one get so bogged down by **bureaucracy.  Yoder

###

Bureaucracy

**"At the study session on July 28, 2020, the Community Stakeholder Group presented the recommendations for the future of the Redmond Senior Center. Throughout the study session discussion, and during subsequent Council discussion, Council had additional questions, which were addressed at the PHS Committee of the Whole on August 4, 2020, the PPW Committee of the Whole on August 11, 2020. The PHS Committee of the Whole on September 1st, and the City Council Business Meeting on September 15th .

Recently, there have been questions about the public engagement efforts, decision points that will be requested from the City Council and the City’s bonding capacity. The need for Community Center and Recreation space to serve everyone in Redmond has been discussed over many years in Redmond. 

In 2009, 327 people engaged in a statistically valid survey to inform the Recreation Buildings Master Plan. This plan called for an 80,000 sf facility and a $69-71M investment to adequately serve the residents of Redmond. This effort was not implemented. 

In 2015, 830 people engaged to help inform the PARCC plan, of which the need for a larger Community Center space was a high priority. 

In 2017, 30-35 people made up the Recreation Stakeholders group who engaged with 3600 people to help inform the Communities Priority for the Future of Redmond Community Centers in 2017.

In 2019-20 the Recreation Stakeholders assisted in engaging 2500 people to help inform their recommendation found in the report, “Envision the Future of the Redmond Senior Center”. 

This has been the longest and most engaged public engagement process for any project in Redmond. In order for staff and the community to move forward with the design and ultimately the construction of the Redmond Senior and Community Center, Council will need to provide direction on the size and scale and financial model to fund the project.

Provided in the presentation and on the Council Question Matrix is a timeline of the capital outlay and decision points needed from the City Council."  Parks Council Comm. 10/6

Masks Encouraged At Idylwood Park

Janeen Olsen (Redmond Fire) and two CERT volunteers are handing out free masks at Idylwood Park on 8/15. By 2 pm about 18 masks were given to Redmond residents and 18 outside the City. They will give out free masks at Overlake Church on 8/16.

Sign at Idylwood Park, on a weekday morning.  On Saturday at 2pm when the temperature was 85
there was adequate space for physical distancing.  I felt safe.

Beware Of Crowded Parks

Tuesday, 8/11/2020 at Idylwood Park with Pam.  To date, the City hasn't had to close a park

The City was giving away masks this Saturday.  By 2 PM, (80 degrees) according to a Fire Dept. employee 18 Redmond residents picked up masks and about 18 from outside the City picked them up.  

Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling Container For Idylwood Park

Internet photo

During "Council Talk Time," at the end of the 8/4/2020 Regular Business meeting, Councilmember David Carson said it's common birds, fish and turtles can get caught in monofilament fishing line and die.  He noted Idylwood Park has a monofilament recycling container.  I couldn't find it even when looking in the fishing areas of Idylwood Creek shoal.  I've seen Asian fishermen there frequently.  The WSDFW doesn't have any requirements for recycling containers. I'll report this to the City at Info@Redmond.gov.

-- Bob Yoder