How to get to Perrigo Springs - the original water supply for Redmond

FIELD TRIP TO PERRIGO SPRINGS

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond, WA. 

We’ve all heard about Perrigo Springs, the original water supply for the City of Redmond, but few people know exactly where to find the springs or the geologic history.  Named for the Perrigo family that settled Redmond in the 1800s, the springs are located on the east side of Education Hill downhill from Hartman Park in a deep ravine cut by Perrigo Creek - also named for the Perrigo family.

Perrigo Creek starts in the 2-acre wetland pond at the top of the hill at the southern edge
of Hartman Park and flows downhill towards Avondale Road, eventually joining Bear
Creek in the large Keller Farm Fields in the center of the valley. During the hot summer
months, Perrigo Creek runs dry so the only water flowing in the creek bed is from Perrigo
Springs.

Perrigo Springs flow from a thick gravel and sand bed that runs through the hillside at
about 240 feet above sea level. Starting at the dam that crosses the creek and continuing
upstream for about 120 feet, spring water flows from the gravel layer into the stream
channel. Near the dam, there is a layer of dirt and vegetation that the spring water seeps
through, keeping the hillside muddy and wet. Upstream the water gushes directly out of
the hillside where the gravel layer is exposed.  (Read more on the geology and how to find the springs>>)

06/07 - Pristine Perrigo Springs Dedication

The small willow on the right commemorates Perrigo Springs, Redmond's first water source used by Indians and early Redmond pioneers.

The Historical marker and willow were dedicated by the Snoqualmie Falls Daughters of the American Colonists in 2004.

The above picture depicts the Perrigo Springs memorial as of last week. A few months ago, rock and debris was dumped on the the historical marker, tree and springs by a Public Works contractor. This was probably an unintentional consequence from nearby construction on a water tower. After several calls to the city the Public Works Dept. says they are looking for the vendor responsible for the damage.

UPDATE 1)They found the contractor and according to the Director of Public Works Bill Campbell, the rock pile and debris will be removed in 2-4 weeks,

6/26. UPDATE 2) the rock pile was raked into the surrounding ground and heavy, rusty pipe couplings were dumped next to the willow!
.

The Springs can be found by walking from NE 100th St. terminus (on Education Hill) on the Perrigo Trail towards Avondale. It's at the base of CAMWEST DEVELOPMENT, INC. steep-slope sewer line.

So far, the Springs remain pristine, though citizens are monitoring the wetlands and creek water feeding the spring owing to Perrigo Heights construction impacts.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitted by:  Nao Hardy, Founder of the "Redmond Historical Society" 6/07

"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. A mile to the east the large Perrigo Community Park is being developed."

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

Letter to Tom Fix, City of Redmond, re: Dedication, 5/29/04

Went exploring this weekend, and we now have a rock from Perrigo Springs in our archives. Hope I'm forgiven for this because I did take a river rock, not one brought in from off-site. I followed the creek back to where it was oozing from ground. To judge by rock-lined stream bed, it must've been fairly good sized waterway once. Got some great pictures. Away from the roadway, it's another world. 

Pedestal signage on south bank would probably work well. Or bronze plaque mounted on large stone. Should DAC honor it, parks could spiff up immediate area slightly with bench and garage can! There wasn't much trash, but seeing even a few items in the little waterway was distressing. It does give me pause about publicity for the site, although I saw a surprising number of other people on the trail.

I wonder how a cross-section of old wooden water pipe could also be displayed with interpretive signage. Maybe this is best done on a wall in the old schoolhouse.

Arlyn Vallene whose farm was just below springs, told me how her family worried that building the dam would mean they'd have fish in their drinking water.

 --Nao Hardy, submitted 6/07
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I include this for Arlyn Vallene's anecdote re fish. think I told you that the "road" paralleling springs was called Frog Farm Road. there was even a sign on post with that name. all I really have is the two othere's I sent you tonight. if u wanta get some info from Arlyn, her contact info is below. she volunteers in our office every Thursday - faithfully. I recall her saying someone[s] on the hill above her came to Arlyn's farmhouse to bath as they didn't have running water on the hill until early 1950s when they were annexed.

--Nao Hardy, 6/07

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

6/07 - History is a gift of Perrigo Springs Woodlands

"A GIFT OF PERRIGO SPRINGS WOODLANDS" -- Bringing us back to our historical roots. The founders of our Redmond Historical Society are pictured above.
Submitted by the Redmond Historical Society, 6/07, c/o Nao Hardy.

Web Site: http://www.redmondhistory.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redmond, Washington, has become famous as the home of Microsoft and many other high technology businesses, but for more than a hundred years the town was just a small farm community near enough to Seattle to provide suburban living.

For 6000 years the valley had been home to the Squak Indians, a branch of the Duwamish and Snoqualmie tribes. The first white settlers included Luke McRedmond and Warren Wentworth Perrigo who arrived in the area in the early 1870s and took up homesteads on the rich bottom land along the Sammamish River and to the east.

In 1877 William P. Perrigo, a brother of Warren W. Perrigo, came with his wife Matilda from Maine by ship around Cape Horn and took up the claim north of his brother. By 1900 they had a family of eleven children. William P. Perrigo was the first trader in the area. He opened a headquarters in his farmhouse at Redmond and then established posts on the farms between Tolt and Novelty.

Perrigo blazed the trails between the posts. Sometimes merchandise was left for settlers by prearrangement at a point along the trail. Goods were carried to the posts by Indian ponies and at one time as many as nine ponies were employed in the traffic. Settlers from distant points and local Indians came to the posts along the Sammamish and Snoqualmie Rivers in canoes. After the coal mines were opened at Gilman, he established additional trading posts at Cottage Lake and Paradise Lake. He opened the first permanent store in Redmond in the early 1890s. William P. was a close associate of Sam Hill who organized the Washington State Good Roads Association in 1901 to which they both belonged.

William Perrigo’s homestead was what we now call Education Hill, and what is now 166th Avenue NE, the main street running north and south on Education Hill, began as William’s skid road on which horses pulled the giant timbers logged from his hill, down to Lake Sammamish.

Some of the original land settled by William Perrigo was donated for Redmond Elementary School which now is the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center. William’s family also donated the land across from the Old Schoolhouse for a community church on NE 80th Street where the United Redmond Methodist Church now stands.

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. A mile to the east the large Perrigo Community Park is being developed.

"THIS PLACE MATTERS" - Perrigo Springs

THIS PLACE MATTERS.

Perrigo Springs was the Redmond's first "watering hole." Indians and early settlers first used the spring.

The spring's water source is the Hartman wetland watershed.  Perrigo Creek drains the wetland into the springs. Upper Perrigo Creek is a dry stream bed much of the time. The underground water springs up at the spillway.

Children and dogs are often found playing in the cool waters behind the spillway. These children were floating cork boats  My friend Richard Morris, with his dog Sadie, were at the spring to take a picture for the "National Trust for an Historic Preservation" contest  --"THIS PLACE MATTERS."  Squint hard or click the photo to read the sign these kiddos are holding. Water pooling behind the spillway with beautiful moss covering stone cobble are behind them. The riparian vegetation is beautiful.  I've seen folks softly playing their guitars and meditating on the spillway.

"Daughters of the American Colonists" placed a rock marker and planted a Corkscrew tree near the spring.  Here's some history:

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.

6/17/07 Councilmember Marchione responds to Perrigo Heights development

From: John Marchione
To: Bob Yoder ; Jim Robinson
Cc: MayorCouncil
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 3:50 PM
Subject: RE: Perrigo Heights has been cleared

Dear Mr. Yoder, I am responding as Ombudsman (Council spokesman) for the month of June. As you know, Perrigo Heights has been an emotionally charged issue for a few years. Many neighbors requested the City purchase all of the land and preserve it as a park. The City did purchase a portion of the land to buffer the trail that runs up 99th street. This reduced the plat from about 36 homes to about 24. The Parks Board and the City Council have been aware of your request for the City to purchase the land. In general, the land was considered very expensive and Education Hill is served by more parks than any other neighborhood in Redmond. Forbidding development was not an option. A property owners retains his rights to build with in the community standards. This issue has been discussed with community input in previous years.

Sincerely,
John Marchione

OMBUDSMAN for Redmond City Council

A rebuttal to the Ives Administration on my final "Redmond Reporter" column on water supply

In February, 2007 I was asked by John Huether, Editor of the "Redmond Reporter," to write a column about Redmond events connected in some way to Council and Administration's work. I wrote 11 "Citizen Watch" columns. I will periodically post my columns on the Neighborhood Blog for those who missed them or to make a point. In this case, I am highlighting parts of my "water supply" column that Kim Van Eckstrom, Redmond's Chief Communications Officer objected to as "inaccurate." This was my last column accepted by the Redmond Reporter since Van Eckstrom's complaints to the new Editor, Bill Christianson. Some have asked me to rebut the Administration...which I do at the end of the column.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPINION / "We face a water supply challenge" by Bob Yoder, 'Redmond Reporter', 7/11/07

Walking Perrigo Woods trail last week, I noticed construction materials dumped next to the “Perrigo Springs memorial willow and historic marker”. The city is looking for the contractor responsible for this oversight. (1) As if enough wasn’t enough for Redmond’s historic spring, CAMWEST DEVELOPMENT is building a steep-slope sewer pipe to service the 24-home Perrigo Heights project. The pipe will run within yards of the spring.

Perrigo Springs was Redmond’s only water supply until 1927 and it served as a major source of supply until 1962 – hard to believe. To visit Perrigo Springs from Avondale, drive to the end of 180th Ave. NE. Or, hike down the trail from NE 100th St.

Redmond’s two present sources of drinking water are: 1) the ground and 2) from the Reed Mountain watershed (5,331 ft), east of Carnation. About 40% of our drinking water is stored in an underground “aquifer” and drawn from five city wells. Redmond’s aquifer is only 5-20 feet below the surface so keeping hazardous waste off the ground is critical. After citizens reported a waste site on the Evans Creek bank aquifer last year, the city initiated a “ground water monitoring program” and “online” hazardous waste reporting. (2)

The remaining 60% of our water supply is piped from the Tolt River reservoir, fed by the Reed Mountain watershed. Recently, the city has recently combined Tolt Reservoir water with well water for projects, like Perrigo Heights.

The Avondale well (#4) (3) has been challenged, in part, by a loss of pervious land paved over by multiple, housing developments. Pervious land is required for recharging our aquifer with rain water. The city is working with AegisLiving to preserve historic Keller Farm wetlands vital to aquifer recharge. Aegis is proposing to set aside 119 acres of wetlands they bought from historic Keller Farm (pumpkins!) adjacent Avondale Road, Aegis plans to build a retirement community on the parcel’s remaining 6 acres.

According to the Redmond website, city water customers have doubled in the last 10 years. (4)More alarming, King County population is expected to increase 300,000 by 2025 –the equivalent of Tacoma and Bellevue combined! By 2020 existing water supplies will not be enough to reach forecasted demands (2001 Pug. Sd. Reg. Outlook).

With 12,000-plus moving into Redmond within 10 years, what is the city doing to keep up with demand? Redmond has partnered with the regional Cascade Water Alliance to build a new $55M supply system. Councilman John Marchione is on the Board.

The Alliance plan: Lake Tapps in Tacoma will store mountain water originating from eastern Mt. Ranier’s Emmons glacier and the White River. Emmons glacier is huge but started retreating in 2003. University of Washington scientists forecast a 59% loss of snow pack by 2050 due to global warming. Much is at stake! Conservation is critical.

Bellevue saved 20% by implementing a “water conservation program”. Visit http:// savingwater.org for excellent conservation tips, rebates, and free devices. Tell city officials to initiate a “water conservation program”. (5) The Alliance alone won’t solve our next generation’s water needs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rebuttal

(1) Bill Campbell, Acting Director of Public Works told me they were trying to get in touch with the contractor.
(2) My statement is correct is found on Redmond's website link under "Activities" 2007: http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/publicworks/environment/grhistory.asp
(3) Edit. At the time I wrote this article, the city had taken off the No. ID's from their Wellhead Protection Zone map. The city is numbering their Wellheads on site but still not on the Wellhead Protection Zone Map. Wells no longer appear to be named after streets ie. "Avondale well" but that could change. I learned tonight that #5 (by Target) is the most productive and important well and most subject to stormwater run-off and infiltration from SE Redmond industrial area. Council has allowed these industrial businesses to continue to discharge stormwater by infiltration. (7/08). DNR will be installing a 300 acre regional stormwater system in the area, soon! This has been promulgated by the new Costco warehouse. 6/17/08
(4) My statement is correct and used to be referenced on Redmond's website link under "Wellhead Protection Ordinance Updates". http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/publicworks/environment/grhistory.asp
*Van Eckstrom DELETED from the site: "The City of Redmond has grown and doubled the number of its customers in the past 10 years - making care of its precious and limited water supplies all that much more important". I have a hard copy of the original web page.
(5) Mayor Ives told me after a council meeting they've had a conservation program for 16 years. My answer is: 1) my column is an OPINION column and I didn't think we had much of a program. 2) as it turns out we didn't have a program plan in writing. ..rather a rebate offering and occasional Public Service Announcements on RCTV and FOCUS magazine.
October, 2007 the city initiated a Water Conservation Efficiency Program, linked below: http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/citycouncil/20071016pdfs/IIIA1.pdf Case closed!

The Administration's claims were enough to 'frighten' the new Editor into cancelling my column. The fact the Primary election was around the corner had everything to do with it.

10/25, Restored: Historic Perrigo Springs Marker & Willow

For many months, Redmond Public Works construction projects adjacent to historic Perrigo Springs have negatively impacted the commemorative "marker" and Willow. (see earlier blogs). Public Works contractors finally cleaned up the site but left crushed rock under the tree.

Recently, friends of Perrigo Woodlands & the Historical Society restored the site. Crushed rock on top of the marker and tree was raked back and fresh bark was spread. Litter was removed. (The original RHS installation is pictured on left.)

For over 2000 years, the peaceful Snoqualmie (Sqwak) Indians camped near this Spring and foraged Bear Creek for salmon, mussels and berries. Early pioneers were attracted to the spring and it was the city's first water supply. Hartman wetlands and the surrounding woodlands makes up the watershed supplying this spring. It still rises up today from seasonally dry Perrigo Creek. Naomi Hardy, co-founder of the Redmond Historical Society found the rock marker nearby and in 2004 a ceremony was held commemorating the site.

A neighbor and trail runner, Richard Morris, took this photo. He reports the commemorative tree is a "Corkscrew Willow". It will grow 20-30 feet high and up to 25 feet wide with adequate water. The young branches grow in a spiral, twisting fashion. I remember, in the winter storm of 2006 one of our friend's huge Corkscrew Willow in their front yard was uprooted.

"Hartman Park Trails" - a city gem unveiled

For years, a select group of Education Hill neighbors have walked their dogs and hiked the network of forested dirt trails surrounding Hartman Park wetlands. Quite a few residents tried to keep this informal park "gem" to themselves. It's a peaceful, quiet, cool, lush forested area and so convenient to the surrounding neighbors. Yes, the trails could get muddy. Other than that, it was a neighborhood paradise.

The Parks Department finally discovered these trails and "our secret". "Hartman Park Trails" are now cedar-chipped and are marked with about 8 trail signs. I don't know what took them so long. My guess is the new joint Parks & Trails Commission is working together better and so took action. It's even remotely possible the recent Black Bear sightings in these woods prompted action. (I feel a little safer hiking the trails now they are "developed" by the city.) The nearby BMX dirt bike course has brought additional traffic near these trails, too.

Anyway, have fun! The trails are easy to access from at least 6-7 trailheads. The trails' "backbone" is Ashford Trail, a.k.a. Perrigo Woods Trail. It's a pervious, crushed gravel trail which mountain bikers sometimes use to "cut across town". The trail starts from the terminus of NE 100 St. near the Mormon Church almost a mile down the hill to Avondale Road. A good scenic resting point is Perrigo Springs (Historical Marker) near the water tower.

Children living in Lookout Ridge and Perrigo Heights can easitly walk to school from Perrigo Woods Trail to RHS and RJH. Any number of the .25 - .50 mile Hartman Park Trails will get them to their classes and homes -- faster and more peacefully than by car! Might even see a Western Red Squirrel or Heron on the way....

The Harman Park Trails can be accessed from the Fields #5 & #6 adjacent the restrooms. They can also me accessed from the neighborhoods bordering 176th Ave. NE. and 172nd Ave. NE.

The Parks Department defines trail users with a "backpacker" and "bicyclist" ICON. Dog walkers are probably welcome. I'm guessing the X-country teams run through here, though I haven't seen any. I've never seen a bicyclist on these curvy, narrow trails. None of the trails are listed "A.D.A. approved.". The cedar chipped trails smell fresh are very nice and may control the mud issue. I don't know who installed the chips.

Comment: I hope the city will use cedar chipped trails for riparian pathways in the Eastern Corridor Parks. I'm glad the city is not black-topping Ashford Trail and pray they won't black-topped on the backbone trails of the planned Eastern Corridor Parks. Black-top "trails" are more like service roads. They are more invasive and unnatural and unbefitting of the rural, riparian parklands of the Eastern Corridor. (Anderson, Conrad Olsen, Perrigo, F-M, Juel parks)

Troubling events requiring further investigations

From Jon Spangler, Dept. of Natural Resources

BOB YODER -
Thank you for taking the time to e-mail us (and for hiking the Hartman park wetland). The City has been visually monitoring the wetland for the last several years. The dry conditions you experienced are not unusual for this time of year given the current weather patterns. The Natural Resources Division has had some preliminary consultant investigation done on the wetland in recent years and there are options to adjust local drainage patterns if conditions do deteriorate. For now we plan to continue our visual observations. Jon Spangler, Stormwater, C.O.R.
Tuesday July 3, 2007
- ----------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your concerns and suggestions regarding the Hartman Park wetlands. In the future, we will actively monitor these wetlands for implementation of appropriate management practices to ensure their health. We will also work cooperatively with the Natural Resources Division on this situation. Please contact me if you have any further concerns or suggestions.

Dave Tuchek, Assistant Manager City of Redmond Park Operations,
MOCPK425-556-2318Fax 425-556-2373
dtuchek@redmond.gov
Monday July 9, 2007 -

Updated & Republished 4/13, 5:30AM Redmond Historical Society "Hero Awards"

History Hero Awards 2006-2014

Over the past five years we have given out 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

2012    Naomi and Jerry Hardy, for Naomi’s tireless work as a Founder, Director, and Historian; Jerry’s support

2012    Richard Morris, Webmaster, 2008 to 2013

2013    Gene and Cheryl Magnuson, volunteers 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.

John Couch has moved back to Redmond.  The Redmond Kiwanis are hoping he'll become a member.  He was the city's Director of Parks for 30 years.  He supports Steve Fields for city council.

Naomi Hardy:  Naomi was inspiring! After she passed away in 2012 the city approved construction of the downtown "Naomi Hardy Clock Tower."  Years ago she called and asked me to run for council; she advised I write my blog at the 7th grade level. (That was easy!) She compared me to Ms. Beason.  From what I can remember of our one phone call, she seemed to have a phone manner similar to Rosemarie....excited, informative, passionate and long. 

Richard Morris is my neighbor of over 20 years. I introduced Richard to the society. When hiking along Evans Creek one day we came upon AWR oil trucks polluting the creek. This discovery eventually led to a crackdown by least 5 regulatory agencies.  We celebrated a "youth history event" at Perrigo Springs. I often see him running with his dog in the neighborhood and trails and chatting with the neighbors. 

Cheryl Strong Magnuson is an active RHS volunteer, one of the administrators for their Facebook page and posts nearly every day. (I confuse her with Laura Lee Bennett.) I met her at last year's "Poets in the Park" event next to her RHS display featuring Anderson Park.  Cheryl told me she volunteers almost everyday, "mainly providing programming for seniors including several musical groups and a gardening program."    

When Miguel Llanos was laid-off from MSNBC (a writer) he free-lanced and taught tennis. He now teaches at Overlake School.  Miguel is very engaging, likable, respected by his neighbors and always has a smile.  Naomi references him frequently in her "Redmond Reflections" book though still today he participates in the community as a member of the tourism board and landmark commission.   

The awards are presented each June.  In addition to the list published through 2014, the society has awarded three more in 2015 and 2016 and they'll  be announcing the 2017 recipient in the June newsletter.

Bob Yoder
Updated:  7/28/2017

A downtown "nature walk" -- and talk with Council member David Carson

My daughter and I took a walk down Education Hill to Frankies for lunch, then Target, then Avondale to 180th, up the Ashford Trail to Perrigo Springs, past the Redmond Bike Park and home. (Beloved Frankies, the Italian restaurant icon is going to be demolished in October to make room for a hotel.) Click the links to read the old stories.of the Ashford Trail, Perrigo Springs and the Redmond Bike Park.  

The Avondale stretch was congested and noisy as usual.  But we were surprised the sidewalk took us on a bridge over our magnificent Bear Creek!  Incredible how nature was only a few yards from the arteriole. To me, Bear Creek, Evans Creek, the Sammamish River and the green ring of conifers surrounding the city are what makes Redmond special.  

David Carson

At the half way mark of our walk, we stopped at Kringles Bakery.  I had never been inside and was curious.  Guess who we found with his computer?  Council member David Carson!  He must have talked with Lexie for 25 minutes. Homeless encampments, the Landing, downtown development, the EvergreenHealth Board expansion, and the Design Review Board were a few of the topics he touched on with me. Then, David got into his love of motorcycling and all the places he's traveled. He's clocked 40,000 miles on his chopper.  Montana, Idaho, Canada, Oregon and on.

Bakeries and any coffee shop other than "Charbucks" are his favorite hangouts...breweries too.  He likes the "savory" food of independent coffee houses and the whiskeys at Woodblock Redmond.  

Mr. Carson's city website Bio:

Position #7
Term Expires 12/31/19
Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member of the Public Safety Committee
Member of the Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee

David moved from Southern Oregon to Redmond to work for Microsoft in 1991 and works as a Software Test Engineer. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. His hobbies are riding motorcycles, cooking and playing in Redmond's recreational softball league. He lives with his wife Danielle and pets in the Viewpoint neighborhood of Redmond.

dcarson@redmond.gov
425.556.2113

By Bob Yoder

1/23/07, Redmond Ranked Tops for Kids!

This is a picture I took of children on Perrigo Springs Woodland Trail, during the "Friends of Redmond Woodlands", FORW fundraiser. Children in Redmond, WA. are lucky! Really lucky.

Lori Snodgrass, Parks Board member, gave us the heads-up; then yesterday morning Q13 FOX TV announced from Marymoor Park some very exciting news: Redmond is ranked in the nation's TOP 100 "Best Communities for Young People" by "America's Promise Alliance". Out of 750 other schools applying, Redmond was specifically selected for it's array of safe and fun after-school activities.

The America's Promise Alliance was founded in 2005 by Colin L. Powell. City selections were made by over 50 Alliance members, including: U.S. Conference of Mayors, and Big Brothers/Sisters. Tim Russert of Meet the Press, Brian Gallagher the United Way President, and Tom Donohue of the US Commerce are a few of the decision-makers.

So how is Redmond so special in providing an array of safe and fun after-school activities? I've brainstormed a few from parenting my 14 year old daughter and 7 years of "Lunch Buddy" mentoring. Here goes:

See the kids running along the Perrigo Woodland trail in the photo? No question it's safer and more fun commuting to school on this trail than taking a bus. Redmond is loaded with neighborhood trail connections. Ann Glassy, administrator of the Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program at Mann, directs kids to the Redmond El Neighborhood Program for afterschool enrichment. The Redmond Old Fire House provides after school activities for teenagers aged 13-19. An Eastside Services Counselor is available at the Fire House for high risk kids needing help on teen issues. 425-810-4083. youtheastsideservices.org The Outdoor Skateboard Park and Perrigo Dirt Bike Course keeps kids off the roads and having fun. Explorers 16 years and older are recruited to help the police on safety issues. & Sports - on lit fields with artificial turf in Redmond's Hartman, Grasslawn, & Perrigo city parks -- all well maintained and 'safe'. Redmond Recreation Guide! http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrecGuide/guide.asp
America's Promise Alliance has shown that to succeed in life, young people must experience at least four of the Five Promises -- 1) caring adults, 2) safe places, 3) a healthy start, 4) effective education, 5) opportunities to help others. Less than 1 in 3 young people in the nation receive enough of these promises.

Aren't we lucky! 1/23/07

Naming Redmond's five streams

This is a 2009 post

The Redmond Parks and Trails Commission recently gave a thumbs up to giving official names to five streams of significance to Redmond.

• Klise Creek - Marymoor Park
• Idylwood Creek - Idylwood Park
• Peters Creek -  stormwater channel from Willows Road into Sammamish River, N. of 90th St. Br.
• Willows Creek - near Overlake Church
• Perrigo Creek - adjacent Ashford Trail

Peter Holte, "community naturalist" of the Redmond Department of Natural Resources listed the following selection criteria:

• community support
• presence of fish or the potential for fish
• presence of native plants e.g salmonberry
• names found in city documents (grants, land use, etc.)
• must be a headwater and have a tributary to a larger stream.

In a Redmond Historical Society (RHS) meeting several years ago, Peter Holte and Parks Director Craig Larsen announced the city's plan to formally name 4-5 streams. Stream naming is expensive since names must be documented and filed with the State.

Mayor Marchione announced during the 7/17/08 Planning and Public Works Council Committee meeting RHS support for renaming Evans Creek to Martin's Creek after an early homesteader. Redmondite and geologist Susan Wilkens researched U.S. Geological documents and discovered the creek was named Evan's Creek before the Martin's homesteaded on the creek in 1910.

Several citizens suggested Perrigo Creek owing to it's geologic and historic connection to Redmond's first drinking water supply at Perrigo Springs. Naomi Hardy of the RHS suggested a Class 2 stream running west along NE 124th Street through 60 Acres into the Sammamish River.

Bob Yoder

Ashford Trail has been enhanced with hundreds of new trees and shrubs

If you haven't walked down Redmond's Ashford Trail yet you'll be amazed to see hundreds of new small trees and shrubs planted along it.   The plantings are part of Group Health Hospital's off-site restoration mitigation project. They did a great job on this project. It will one day provide shade for the trail and riparian habitat of the Hartman wetlands.

The Ashford Trail, the trail begins at the Redmond Bike Park on the terminus of NE 100 Street. It's wooded running east to a large, beautiful forested wetland adjacent to Perrigo Creek. Hikers occasionally see large owls here.  The "Hartman wetlands" are occasionally studied by students. Portions of the trail here are used by cross country teams. A network of  "Hartman Trails" to the north start just before you go downhill.

Enjoy your hike down this mixed forested trail to Perrigo Springs. The trail then briefly enters a road lined with apartments and condos named "Ashford."   Soon to the north, the trail continues through a peaceful green band between Perrigo Creek and apartments. The trail ends at Avondale Road and 180th.

It's hard to believe Ashford Trail is so close to the Education Hill neighborhood. The trail-head is less than a quarter mile from my house. I walk it often for exercise, to relax, find peace and think.

Bob Yoder  

Five Redmond, WA streams are officially named by the City

This is a 2009 posting..

The Redmond Parks and Trails Commission recently gave a thumbs up to giving official names to five streams of significance to Redmond.

• Klise Creek - Marymoor Park
• Idylwood Creek - Idylwood Park
• Peters Creek -  stormwater channel from Willows Road into Sammamish River, N. of 90th St. Br.
• Willows Creek - near Overlake Church
• Perrigo Creek - adjacent Ashford Trail

Peter Holte, "community Naturalist" of the Redmond Department of Natural Resources listed the following selection criteria:

• community support
• presence of fish or the potential for fish
• presence of native plants e.g salmonberry
• names found in city documents (grants, land use, etc.)
• must be a headwater and have a tributary to a larger stream.

In a Redmond Historical Society (RHS) meeting several years ago, Peter Holte and Parks Director Craig Larsen announced the city's plan to formally name 4-5 streams. Stream naming is expensive since names must be documented and filed with the State.

Mayor Marchione announced during the 7/17/08 Planning and Public Works Council Committee meeting RHS support for renaming Evans Creek to Martin's Creek after an early homesteader. Redmondite and geologist Susan Wilkens researched U.S. Geological documents and discovered Evans Creek was named before the Martin's homesteaded on the creek in 1910.

Several citizens suggested Perrigo Creek owing to it's geologic and historic connection to Redmond's first drinking water supply at Perrigo Springs. Naomi Hardy of the RHS suggested a Class 2 stream running west along NE 124th Street through 60 Acres into the Sammamish River.

A Tale of One Redmond Trail

Ashford Trail ..............................................................................................Perrigo Woods Trail

Both trails are one and the same. The photo on the right was taken in 2004 during the "Save the Woodlands Walkathon" before the CAMWEST project was built. The photo on the left is the same trail five years later, in 2009. The city named it "Ashford Trail" after the Ashford Condominiums on Avondale Road.

The Ashford Trail was "developed" by the city to service the CAMWEST waterline and stormwater line. Crushed rock is blended into the forest soil to harden the surface and limit trail mud, though it's now close to impervious.

The soft-surface Perrigo Woods Trail is "pre-CAMWEST". In days past it was used by the Vallene family and others living east of Perrigo Springs for hiking and equestrian travel.

The western Trailhead is at the terminus of NE 100st near 171st Ave. It passes by the Hartman Wetlands and CAMWEST development to Avondale Rd.

"Redmond Reflections...from Settlers to software"

 If you are a history buff, a newcomer, or curious student, Naomi Hardy's "Redmond Reflections" is the best best book on Redmond history.  In fact, it's the only comprehensive history book we have that's been updated.  A city this size (40,000) is lucky to have a  history book at all.  Hardy's soft-cover book has over 800 images.

The book's full title is "Redmond Reflections...from Settlers to software".  It's packed with photographs, some that go all the way back to 1852.  My favorite picture is on the front cover.  Cattle are grazing along Bear Creek on a drained marsh and wetland. A rolling green hill is in the background, still  one of Redmond's distinguishing characteristics.

I like reading about the early pioneers, the McRedmonds and the Perrigos.  I think of them and when hiking down Ashford Trail past Perrigo Springs - Redmond's first potable water supply.  I imagine the Indians eating abundant fresh water clams of Bear Creek and trading salmon for Perrigo's brass buttons. 

My favorite section is "The nine mayors of Redmond".   Bill Brown was Redmond's second mayor presiding for 30 years (1919 -1948)!   He coined the phrase "all roads lead to Redmond".   When he opposed annexing Education Hill, he lost his job.  Redmond's oldest living Mayor is Chris Himes (1980 - 1983).  If you want to meet her come down to a Redmond Historical Society Meeting.  "Hurricaine Himes" is President and very friendly and approachable.  Redmond  has a rich heritage of horse ranches and open space and Chris played a significant role is sustaining this culture.

All profits from the book (including mine) go back to the Redmond Historical Society.  Their office is in the Old Redmond School House Community Center on the 1st floor.  16600 NE 8th Street.   Monthly multi-media meetings are in the same building.  425-885-2919.  http://www.redmondhistory.org/

Do you think you'll order a book?    What about Redmond history catches your eye?   Comment below.

UPDATED: The City of Redmond's Vision Statement

The City of Redmond's Vision Statement:  "A community of connected neighborhoods with vibrant urban centers - inspired by nature, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence." 

Nature:  

Creeks, Sammamish River and Lake Sammamish (riparian & in-stream habitat)
Tree canopy, green ridges and hills   
Open space and wetlands (mostly developed except for Hartman, Keller and Evans Creek)
Distant mountains
Fish and Wildlife

A community of connected neighborhoods inspired by Nature:

Woodlands, trees, creeks, wildlife, river, trails
Green Redmond community forestry stewardship
Community and public works parks (BehindSafeway, Grasslawn trail,Smith wetlands,Ferral-McWirther's Macky Creek, Perrigo forested wetland)
Green, wooded neighborhoods protected from urbanization, neighborhood parks.
Outdoor recreation (Wildlife sightings, Powerline trail, Hartman trails, and BMX biking)
Art:  Sammamish River Trail pubic work art. Grasslawn Park, Community Centers
Culture:  biking, salmon, Bear Creek, tree preservation,Perrigo Springs
Neighborhood views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascades and Olympics 
Community health: Trail walking, hiking, biking, running, crewing, swimming, fishing

Vibrant urban centers:  Overlake and Downtown.  One Redmond Foundation.

Powered by innovation:  Microsoft and other technology companies. One Redmond

Committed to excellence:  Council, Mayor, Commissioners and other volunteers, schools

Bob Yoder, opinion

5/3/07, Robinson announces run for Mayor & my observations

The Redmond Reporter announced today Jim Robinson will be running for mayor. He files within 2-3 weeks.

Born and raised in Everett, Jim has lived in Redmond since 1983. A long-time city Council member, Jim has worked as a financial analyst at Boeing for years. A family man, he's well traveled and educated with an MBA at Seattle University, a Masters in International Management at the American Graduate School of International Studies, Phoenix and a BA in Political Science from Willamette University.

According to the Reporter, Jim's purpose in running is much to do about improving the quality of life in Redmond. That would include keeping Derby Days and Redmond Lights in the operating budget. Jim's very excited about the potential for our downtown. Jim has a wry sense of humor which goes a long way in meetings and his dealings with the public. His peers look to Jim for his intellect and good nature. Jim has a warm, amicable personality that would suit him during ceremonial presentations and public interaction. Jim works at Boeing out of a cubicle as a financial analyst. He has attributes for seeing the overlaying picture and analytical thinking, yet I have some reservations about his overall effectiveness in managing a staff of over 400.

www.robinsonformayor.com VIDEO
------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Campaign Address: Jim Robinson for Mayor, 16625 Redmond Way Suite M PMB 333, Redmond, WA. 98052-4444

Email: jamesprobinson@earthlink.net, Website: http://www.robinsonformayor.com/

Phone: 425-941-8829
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ April 24, 2007

Press Release: Jim Robinson for Mayor of Redmond Campaign

Jim Robinson, candidate for Redmond mayor in this fall’s election, is issuing a challenge to his opponents, Holly Plackett and John Marchione, to join with him and mutually agree to forego the use of yard signs in their campaigns. Yard signs are a significant source of visual clutter and have a negative impact on our environment, both by the resources used and the litter remaining after the election season is over. In addition, the proliferation of the number of signs in recent elections, especially in the public rights of way, can create hazardous conditions for drivers. Mr. Robinson believes that preserving the natural environment in Redmond is very high on the citizens’ list of priorities and so has proposed this small but significant step toward achieving that outcome.


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

MY COMMENTS: It is most unfortunate the "natural environment" of Perrigo Springs Woodlands could not be preserved. The city decision not to negotiate in earnest to preserve Perrigo Woods was myopic. I was hoping Jim, being the Council Chair of Parks, would take the lead to tap unallocated CIP (capital funds) to preserve this last remaining urban forest & priority habitat.

Wednesday June 27, 2007 - 10:54pm (PDT)