Join us for Redmond's Soccer Watch Party on June 23

Join Redmond's Soccer Watch Party

Watch Seattle Sounders FC take on Paris Saint-Germain of France on Monday, June 23, at a watch party in the heart of Redmond Town Center (7525 166th Ave NE), complete with a pre-match meet and greet with Sounders legend and MLS all-star Jhon Kennedy Hurtado. Take in all the action on a giant outdoor screen, enjoy food specials from local businesses, and join the family-friendly fun.

• 10:30 a.m. – Pre-match activities begin, including a meet and greet with Jhon Kennedy Hurtado
• 11:15 a.m. – Event welcome and opening remarks
• 12 p.m. – Kickoff, Seattle Sounders FC vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or camping chairs. The event will take place rain or shine.

WORLD CUP OVERVIEW

Redmond Middle School Courts Resurfaced, Lined For Pickleball

Redmond Middle School Tennis Courts

You may have noticed?  The Redmond Middle School's six tennis courts are being resurfaced (with an acrylic coating.) Though unconfirmed, the workers said all six tennis courts will also be lined for pickleball.  Completion is expected by 7/31/2023.

Only 42-inch high standard tennis court nets will be installed.  30-inch pickleball nets will not be available.  I've played on both net sizes and find them equally fun.  

-- Bob Yoder, photo, 7/14/2023

 

Redmond's "Addiction" To Pickle Ball, Nation's Fastest Growing Sport

24 Hour Fitness.Players from all walks of life. Rocket scientist, housekeeper, choral singer, anthropologist, retired fitness instructor and author, mortgage broker, stay-at-home dad, software engineer, passers through, Redmond historian... See the 89 year-old playing with his son?!
 (click picture to enlarge)

                                                        Exercise -  -  Socialize - - Learn

Pickle Ball Basics video.  All ages, body types, and fitness levels. Players willing to share advice. Games are short, lasting about 10 minutes.  Doubles is most common.  Mind  the "kitchen" while "dinking!"  Founded on Bainbridge Island. 

Court Locations and Times:

Old Redmond School House for seniors.  Fun and welcoming group. 3 inside courts.  M,W,Th  9:30 - Noon.  (practice before 9.) Nominal fee.  

Redmond Perrigo Park.  4 outside courts (the way it was made to play.)  "Bangers," Intermediates, Novices, and Families. No fees. Share with 2 tennis courts.  Arrive early to play and practice.  After playing we like to hike the adjacent farmland trail with our dog.  

Redmond Meadows Community Park.  3 outside courts.  Good for families. Courts are rooty.  

Nike Neighborhood Park, 1 outside court, little used.

Senior & Community Center.  Under construction.  2 outside courts.  2-3 inside courts on occasion.  

24 Hour Fitness. One inside court.  9 - 3pm.  7 days a week.  Great for practice!  Membership fee OR health insurance pass. 

Fort Edwards State Park.  Juanta.  6 indoor courts. Medium to high level of play. Adjacent monastery converted to 86-room boutique hotel, fine art, and fancy restaurant. A must! Walk the dog. 

-- Bob Yoder, 2/9/2023

   I've played for 6 months with Pam. Was a very slow learner on the serve and challenged by complicated scoring! 

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Pickleball. Yay!

 

Pickleball FAQs

Show All Answers

1.How do I give input on amenities or changes that I want to see at different parks?

2.Will the basketball courts at Perrigo Park be converted to Pickleball?

3.Will the tennis lines be removed from Court #3 at Perrigo Park?

4.Will Reservoir Park get converted to Pickleball?

5.Will Meadow Park courts get redone, and when will a bathroom be added?

6.Will a bathroom be added at Westside Park?

7.Will there be dedicated/reserved time for Senior pickleball play at Perrigo Park?

8.What will happen this winter with the pickleball nets at Perrigo Park?

9.Who should we contact to talk about the future of Pickleball in Redmond?

10.Can I modify courts such as laying down my own tape or add temporary markings to line a court, or build a practice wall for pickleball in public parks?

UPDATED: Council Announcement: "March Is Women's History Month"

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson announced in a City Hall meeting "March is Women's History Month."

Jeralee noted a "13.1% Gender Pay Gap" in 2021 for men and women.

Above is one of Buick's advertisements played during the men's NCAA "March Madness" basketball tournament. Buick highlights unbalanced media coverage in women and men's sports. "40% of sports are played by women, but they only get 10% of the media coverage."

My daughter went to Gonzaga, known for their basketball so we're addicted to the "Big Dance" of March Madness NCAA men's basketball.  For both men and women, Capital One goes crazy with their ads. The ads, featuring Charles Barkley and his cronies are hilarious. 

There's still plenty of  "March Madness" left. With anticipation we're watching the women Zags play today. I wonder if Gonzaga's "Bull Dog" mascot will work the fans.  The women are great set-shooters, play-makers and will dunk.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/20/2022

Bracket, Videos, Play times.

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

Time To Open Up Our Tennis Courts

Tennis courts at Redmond Middle School

Now that we are in Phase 1.5 why are our spacious tennis courts still chained shut?  Residents truly need outdoor recreation for their mental and physical health. It's not like this sport lends itself to congregating -- with courts wrapped by chain linked fencing. Governor Inslee could restrict play to two per court if he had to. As is, this policy wastes valuable recreational real estate.

-- B. Yoder, opinion

    6/13/2020  

As of 6/20 all the courts are being used!

Redmond High School Lacrosse Program Looking Up

*16th annual lacrosse Space Needle Shootout

Coach Rob Edison's Redmond High School Lacrosse Club entered the 16th annual Space Needle Shootout early December.  The Stangs defeated Juanita High 6-2 and Madlax (Portland All-Stars.) 9-0.  They lost to a mixed bag of Bainbridge-Shoreline players 4-12 and Seattle Prep 3-7.

Coach Edison recounted: "We played Seattle Prep but had several starters out with injuries and actually had two more go down during the game, leaving us with only one sub. We hung in there though and considering Prep will be likely playing Odea for the State Championship for the Private School league this year, it was a nice morale victory considering our circumstances. I think the final was 3-7, or something like that.

Our season kicks off in March and between now and then, it will be all preseason conditioning and captains led practices and such. Our HS program should have around 40 guys this year. A vast improvement from years past. Feel very good about this upcoming season. I have built a very competitive schedule. We should have one of the strongest RPIs in the State with rarely a night off. It will be a major test and we will take our lumps here and there, but I have faith that if everyone stays healthy and we continue what we have been doing, we have an opportunity to do something very special at Redmond. While State Championships seem far off, it is not unreasonable to think about us making a run at it if everything comes together and we should certainly be in discussion as one of the top 10-15 teams in the State this year. I hope – depends now on the kids and the work they put in, but they are a great group of kids and are very resilient."

-- Coach Edison, 12/8

*I plan more reporting and promise improving my interview skills. - Yoder

The 16th annual Space Needle Shootout is the oldest and largest boys lacrosse tournament in the Northwest. The Shootout provides the chance for high school teams, town teams, regional teams, select teams and all-star teams to compete from around the Northwest.

The Rebirth of Redmond Lacrosse

Coach Rob was nominated as one of the eight nominees for "Washington State USLacrosse coach of the year." This was his third nomination in the past three years. "I am deeply honored and humbled given everything we have collectively accomplished this year as a team."

The Redmond High School Lacrosse program was founded in 2008. In the first few years of existence the team had some success and a few very strong seasons playing in the division two Washington high school boys lacrosse association (WHSBLA). After six seasons as a Division two team, the number of players in the program had dwindled to a level that forced the team to revoke their varsity status and field only a junior varsity team in 2014. While Redmond was rebuilding, the sport of lacrosse was growing rapidly throughout the State and by 2015 there were over 80 teams that represented their high schools in the WHSBLA. 

Redmond lacrosse returned to varsity status in 2015 and over the next two seasons fielded a thin division two roster. At times, the team required players to play without substitutes, and while they had fun and played heroically, the team struggled in the wins category and achieved a 2-31 overall record and were ranked 79^th out of 81 teams in the State by one independent online lacrosse site.

In 2017, Redmond lacrosse began a transformation. Rob Eidson, a former assistant coach at Bellevue High School, was hired and asked to help rebuild the program. Coach Eidson recruited and hired a new coaching staff, developed a year round rhythm for competing, focused on growing the youth program from kindergarten, through elementary and middle school, and established and communicated a new vision for an aspire to culture. 

The “Gold Standard” culture that was communicated at all levels of the program focuses on building the program through Teamwork, Dedication and Managing the Details. As an example of how these cultural pillars weave throughout the program, at Redmond there are no MVP awards, or best offensive and defensive players, etc. Instead, for example, the high school players receive awards for Teamwork, for being the most Dedicated, or for improvement through managing the details and playing fundamentally sound. One player also receives the Gold Standard award, which essentially is the coaches award.

Now, after three seasons, the Redmond Mustangs program has come a long way. In 2019, the K2 program has nearly 20 participants and growing, the 34 team was undefeated (8-0) in their league play, the 78 team was undefeated (7-0) in its league play, the high school junior varsity team (yes, RHS has two teams now) finished their season 7-1 and the Varsity Team won the division two KingCo regular season with an 11-3 overall record. At the end of the season, the Mustangs were ranked as one of the top 25-30 teams in the State out of 90. The team has come a long way from 79th in 2016.

The High School Varsity team secured their first division one playoff birth in school history. In addition to going to the playoffs, the team defeated Bothell high school in early May, achieving the first division one KingCo victory in program history as well. Six players from the Mustangs were just named to the All Division 2 KingCo All-Star team, and the Mustangs were informed that they have earned the right to be elevated to division one in 2020. Next season, the Mustangs will compete against the strongest schedule in the State and compete for one of five 4A division one playoff spots. 

2019 has been a special year for the Mustangs, and what makes it even more remarkable is that the young team only graduates one senior this year, so hopefully will be primed for the challenge as 2020 approaches.   

"The team has come a long way and through the journey they had this year, they've built a tremendous amount of confidence and developed into the lacrosse team I always believed they could become. If the team continues to believe in themselves, half as much as I do, they will be successful." said Coach Eidson.

 -- Redmond Lacrosse Club
 -- Photos by Adam Lu  (click to enlarge)

UPDATED: Willowmoor, Lake Sammamish - Sammamish River floodplain

A member of the task force, Susan Wilkins of Redmond said implementing either option would only reduce the lake level by 1 inch.  When Bear Creek is in a the flood stage the Sammamish River backs up reducing out-flow.  5/31/19 

The "Willowmoor transition zone" connecting Lake Sammamish to the Sammamish River is under scrutiny by environmentalists and recreational boaters.  Willow trees were planted years ago in the transition zone to provide salmon and bird habitat.  Since then, they've grown causing the outgoing water to back up, raising lake levels to the point boat docks are submerged. To compensate, the willows were cut down to lower lake levels for the boaters.  But the wildlife habitat was once again challenged.  So you see, restoration of the transition zone is complicated and has been studied for over five years.  For an enlightening, full summary of the "Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Project "READ MORE."

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

Lacrosse season is underway! - register now.

The Redmond Lacrosse Club is dedicated to promoting the sport of lacrosse and providing our student athletes the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and develop their skills while fielding competitive teams and honoring the game.

We serve players from Kindergarten to 12th grade who reside in the area served by Redmond High School in Redmond, WA. Registration is now open for Spring of 2019.

 - Twitter

Willows Run Golf Sold to Sasada Sports International

Willows Run "Heron Links"  (Internet)

The full-service golfing facility was acquired for $11.3 million from Vulcan affiliate, Access Golf LLC

SEATTLE – March 12, 2019 – Access Golf LLC, a Vulcan Inc. affiliate, announced today that the Willows Run Golf Course, located in Redmond, WA, was sold to Sasada Sports International in a transaction that closed late last week. The extensive, 300-acre golf facility features two 18-hole championship courses, a nine-hole executive course, and an 18-hole putting course as well as two clubhouses totaling over 13,500 square feet, and several practice facilities.

Originally acquired by Access Golf LLC in 1993, Willows Run was designed by Lisa Maki and Ted Locke. The facility is regionally recognized for its environmental stewardship and responsible land management practices, including wildlife habitat preservation efforts. Willows Run is also the largest single user of reclaimed water from King County’s Brightwater treatment plant.

Under new ownership, the golf complex will remain open to the public and staff has been retained through the transition. 

“My family shares a passion for golf,” says Yuki Sasada of Sasada Sports International. “We’re looking forward to sharing the sport with generations to come at Willows Run.”

A fly-fishing sport in Redmond

Walking from the Eastside Gym over the "rusty bridge" yesterday I saw some Pike minnow fly-fishermen casting from a raft.  The fishermen were targeting their white fin.    

According to Tom Hardy, City of Redmond Stream and Habitat Planner, lots of these unwanted,  Northerrn Pike minnow are swimming around Lake Sammamish and the River eating  salmon smolt and eggs. Mr. Hardy stated:  "The curious thing about Northern Pikeminnow is that they are native fish to Washington but they are voracious salmon eaters, too."  As you'll see from the video, numbers are so high in the Columbia River there's a bounty on them.  I don't think we're there yet. 😀 But it sure looks like a fun sport! The season is from May 1 to August 31.  Go for it!

B. Yoder

Perrigo Park Turf Replacement

I talked with the city Parks Program Administrator yesterday to learn more about this Perrigo athletic field turf replacement and others in the hopper.  Apparently, the city decided to use cork infill rather than traditional *crumb rubber since cork is proven to be non-toxic and the field is located near a city wellhead.  In addition, cork is recyclable. The field is well drained so staff wasn't concerned about cork floating up and washing away.  

The Hartman Park turf fields are aging and could be replaced in 2-4 years.  Water pools up on these fields so drainage improvements are necessary for a cork installation.  It's my understanding Hartman fields are in or near a wellhead protection zone.  For a variety of reasons the city is holding off on their decision as to what materials they will use here.

After extensive study last year, the Bellevue School District decided to use coated crumb rubber on all their fields with the exception of elementary school play areas; cork will be used.  If you think LWSD would be interested in this information contact them at communications@lwsd.org. The video is excellent and I urge you to listen to it.

B. Yoder, opinion

*The use of crumb rubber infill is somewhat controversial and has been widely studied.  A Redmond resident Dr. David Morton actively participated in council's decision-making process, recommending the city not infill with crumb rubber.   

UPDATED: Redmond Mustangs defeat Newport, On To State



Hot Bats and a Dominant Pitching Lead to a 9-1 Win /
JILL FLYNN

On To State

Plays Issaquah this Thursday for Kingco title game.

Wins for the 14th time in 15 games since a 0-7 record at start of season

From the opening bell, the Redmond Mustangs were ready to go, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first. The big blows came off the bats of a pair of sophomores, Lucas Eliason and Kyle Francis. Eliason lined a two run double down the right-field line while Francis drove a triple in the right-center gap for three RBI of his own. Of the 12 total hits off Mustang bats, senior Patrick McGrath had three, one a two run bomb to left.

That first inning run production was more than enough for starter Peter Hendron. The power-pitching righthander only gave up one hit on the day, a solo homerun to Nate Anderson. The performance by Hendron and the hot bats send the Mustangs off to the state regionals on May 19th.

For more on Hendron and the game, check out the Seattle Times story - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2018162726_riley08.html

Redmond now prepares for the Kingco title game against the Issaquah Eagles. Be at Woodinville High School on Thursday, 5/10, 7 pm to root on your Mustangs.

Photo collage by Jill Flynn
Source:  Redmond Mustange website,  Dan Pudwill

Place your bets on The Daily Double!! Marymoor Velodrome and RHS!!

Season Kick-off Party and Roller Racing Extravaganza

Saturday May 12, 7-10 PM
Hale's Ales in the Palladium

Marymoor Velodrome (Marymoor Park)
•All ages

•Track-specific bike swap (bring your stuff to trade and sell!)

•Food and beverages available

•See your long lost track friends! The season's almost here!

First heats on the roller bikes (fixed fork) scheduled for 7:30. Spin to win!

Not many places can boast a biking velodrome, and Redmond's has been around now for nearly 40 years. The Velodrome has hosted many national championships, 1990 Goodwill Games and many Olympic hopefuls. Learn more about the Velodrome in the evening at the Beer Gardens of the Roller Racing extravaganza or the Redmond Historical Society (RHS) media event in the morning...or both!  Place your bets, it's The Daily Double!!

Please join the RHS on Saturday, May 12th, 10:30 AM in the auditorium of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St. Redmond, WA, when Jerry Baker, one of the volunteers who made it happen, takes us on a history tour.
 
Photo:  'black and white' courtesy of RHS
Banner:  courtesy of the Marymoor Veledrome Association
Follow Redmond Neighborhood Blog facebook page on www.facebook.com/redmondblogger

Redmond Mustangs gutted out Woodinville in first round of Kingco Playoffs




A Total Team Effort Leads Redmond to a Win/ JILL FLYNN

  Kingco Playoff Time

The Redmond Mustangs gutted out a 3-2 win over the Woodinville Falcons in the first round of the Kingco playoffs on Saturday morning.

The win was due in large part to the effort of senior pitcher, Adam Cline. The crafty right-hander held the Falcon bats to only three hits on the day. Offensively, junior Brent Firth hit a monster blast over the right-centerfield fence for a solo homerun in the 2nd inning. And, senior Patrick McGrath came up clutch driving in the other two runs, the game winner on a two out, two strike pitch in the 5th inning.

The win puts the Mustangs one game away from the state tournament. Standing in their way is division rival, Newport. The game is Monday at 4 pm at Woodinville High School.  Be there.

Click here for bracket information: PLAYOFF BRACKET

Source:  Redmond Miustang Baseball website, Coach Dan Pudwill
Collage Photos By Jill Flynn - find phenomenal, action packed photos from most Mustang games

KingCo Champions: 1972, 1976, 1977, 1991, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2010
Washington State 4A Champions: 1991, 1993

Find Redmond Blog facebook page here www.facebook.com/redmondblog

Lake Washington Kangs snuff Bainbridge 11-10 in Lacrosse Opener

Lake Washington Spoils Bainbridge Island Opener, March 9.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – Cody Bernstein connected on the go-ahead goal with 3:23 remaining in the game as Lake Washington hung on to down Bainbridge 11-10 to open the 2012 Washington state boys high school lacrosse season at Bainbridge Stadium  . Read More >>



Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse announces 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse

SEATTLE –The Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse today announced the 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse for its 34th season in Washington state.  Read More >>


If you think you like Washington State lacrosse or know you do, this site is THE Go-To place www.WashingtonHSLAX.com.

Eastlake Wolves top Mustang girls, 75-53

HEAD COACH: Andre Barashkoff, ASSISTANTS: Case/ Pluschke

#20 Kelsey Dunn top scorer,18 pts, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
#10 Makela Hayward, 9 pts, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
#32 Madison Ohrt, 8 pts, 2 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal
#2 Madison Erlandson, 4pts, 1 rebound
#22 Ali Jorgensen most assists, 4 assists, 2 pts, 1 rebound, 2 steals
#45 Jessica Kinssies, 2 pts, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
#14 Lauren Bogard, most rebounds, 6 rebounds, 1 steal