Part II: Is the Redmond Senior Center coming to life?

Part Two of a Series on the Redmond Senior Center.

UPDATED, 8/22: On August 10, I published a story on the Redmond Senior Center. The story focused on my 45 minute "snapshot" visit to the Center where I discovered:

1. abundant, quality active recreation facilities appearing mostly idle or unused e.g. pickleball, billiards, greenhouse gardening, horseshoes, volleyball, boceball, badmitton, croquet and shuffleboard. Four ping pong tables and Wii were in use.
   
2. If you are over 49 years of age you qualify as "Senior"! Seniors living outside city limits are welcome.
   
3. BONUS: 18 year olds and up may use the faciliites when accompanied by an adult over 49.

As the saying goes, "a fifty year old is now forty and 60 years is now 50"; so the Center facilities should have wider appeal to many of the "younger" residents in our neighborhoods. Unfortunatley, not many citizens know about these family fun game activities. The stigmatism of age further aggravates utilization. I'll report on this

Since posting my August 10 story, the Administration appears eager to activate the community. Last week, Mayor Marchione launched a "First Friday Coffee Chat" informational program at the Center where various city officials will discuss city happenings once a month. Marchione will introduce the first chat program on Friday, 9/4. In addition this month, the city revamped and updated their Redmond Senior Center website page. And, Parks staff presented a review of the copious Senior Center programs to Chair Myers' Council Parks Committee.

The opening monthly Coffee Chat will be held by Mayor Marchione on Friday, September 4, 10-11am at the Redmond Senior Center (8703 160th Ave. NE) in the Fireplace Lounge. Free refreshments are sponsored by The Creekside. The announcement didn't say which age groups were welcome - so the chats are probably for Seniors and 18+ only. Directors from Public Works, Police, and Human Services will give 1st Friday chats monthly. With the Administration now taking active interest the Center, the pickleball, volleyball, and other outdoor recreational facilities may get greater use - especially by passing Sammamish Trail users.

The Administration has a vested interested in keeping the Senior Center vibrant. Doreen Marchione was Redmond's mayor in 1990 when the Senior Center was first built. (Doreen is our Mayor's mother.) In addition, present councilmembers Cole, McCormick, and Vache were in office at the time the Center opened. Councilmember Cole recently recommended seed money to start a "sinking fund" to re-build the Senior Center. Cole considers a new Senior Center building as a "legacy building". The Center's roots grow deep.

Senior Center activities and programs are guided by an 11 member Citizen Advisory Committee. Term limits are two years. If you'd like to participate, call 425-727-7274. Volunteers aged 50-59 are probably scarce and needed. Young adult advisors, too? The Redmond Historical Society plans to attract a younger set. Perhaps they could work together.

FIRST FRIDAY CHAT POSTER: http://docs.google.com/Edit?docid=dftpp8st_2fsccvcff)

ONLINE USER GUIDE TO PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES, Dated 2002. Update is needed? http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrec/recreation/seniorsuserguide.aspUPDATED

NEW WEBSITE PAGE ON THE SENIOR CENTER http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrec/recreation/seniors.asp

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

The Redmond "un-Senior" Center slideshow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Input Of Downtown Senior Center Requested

City of Redmond Senior Center Web Page - packed with information.  

Senior Center Engagement FAQ.

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond invites community members to review the preferred options to envision the future of the Redmond Senior Center.

Please join us on February 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 15670 NE 85^th Street, Redmond, WA 98052. This meeting will begin with a formal presentation at 6:45 p.m., followed by conversations and activities. In addition to this meeting, there will be another meeting in the Council Chambers following the Senior Lunch on Thursday, February 13, at 1 p.m. covering the same topics.

The purpose of this outreach is to reveal and review the two options moving forward as we envision the future of the Senior Center. These options have emerged out of the first round of public outreach and community input. The Redmond Senior Center closed in September 2019 and needs to be renovated or demolished and rebuilt before it can reopen. During the community involvement process in January, the community was asked to evaluate options from renovating the Senior Center, to expanding it to include some new amenities. The second phase of engagement will allow the community to give input on the final two recommendations which will become a final recommendation to City Council in March.

“As we envision the future of the Senior Center, community involvement and collaboration is vital,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Listening to the community to understand their needs and hopes for the future of Redmond will help ensure that our community spaces serve our residents for many years to come.”

UPDATED: RED OAK COMMUNITY CENTER, "City Of Redmond's Finest"

Attractive "Red Oak Community Center" signage may complement the building's wood design.

UPDATE:  On 8/16/2022, Council named the building "Senior & Community Center" 4-1 (Anderson)

Video Tour

City Council recently studied community feedback for naming the new Senior/Community building.  Over 30 comments, including those from seniors were reviewed.  All explicitly stated why they felt the word senior should not be included. The primary reason is that seniors are a vital part of the community, and the name is meant to represent a welcoming and inclusive space of all Redmond residents.

My quick story:  I'm a Baby Boomer.  By eliminating "senior" the community center would be more vibrant and diverse for me.   More community members would  bond to "Red Oak Community Center" than a more generic Senior Center.  According to the city's definition, I've been a senior for 16 years. That's a turn-off.  I'm 71 now ("a gray hair") but I don't consider myself "senior."  I can play pickleball as good as the rest of them.  Other seniors can teach youth computer skills, throw clay, and swap stories.  Kids can teach older members computer and gaming skills. 20-60 year olds could do planned activities with the "seniors."

Are we including the other two community centers?  Are there opportunities for cross-pollination? The President of the Redmond Historical Society (RHS) John Oftebro reminded me of their "schoolhouse community center."  (We play pickleball there too.  Others play ping pong.) RHS members trend older like me.  Could we welcome them and visa versa?  Historical Society membership would grow and become more diverse.  Any ideas for the Marymoor Community Center?  Administrative activities like for solar panel donations?  Something totally different?

Branding:  I think CM Forsythe and Mr. Fields prefer "Redmond" in the name.  How about "Red Oak Community Center" as the header, with a Redmond tagline?  Include Redmond LOGOs at the front desk and on select outdoor signage?  Once inside the Red Oak LOGO may fit into the architectural design (CM Stewart.)  

Throughout community engagement, community members expressed during the design process that the name “Redmond Senior & Community Center” implied that this space was only for seniors and did not feel that their feedback was important to the process. Additionally, senior centers throughout the region have moved toward more inclusive naming such as the Edmonds Waterfront Center to be representative of the community in which it exists.

Redmond's Heritage Northern Red Oak
credit, Yoder

The Parks and Trails Commission discussion on July 7, 2022 focused on whether “Senior” should be part of name but determined that “Community” is inclusive of all the people who would use the center. After discussion, the Planning Commission passed a motion 4:3 in favor of the “Red Oak Community Center.”  It will be going to the City Council for action August 2022.

-- Report & opinion by Bob Yoder, 7/30/2022

    SOURCE:  Parks Committee of the Whole memo.

Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adults"

Hank Margeson

At last night's City Council Meeting, Councilmember Hank Margeson noted that the Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adult"  - including late teens to early 20's.  He said this is not widely known.   

Fifty years and up qualifies one as a Senior with full access to the Center.  However, for late teens there are still many activities.  Some require the presence of a Senior; others don't.  Sign-in at the Front Desk.   

According to Terry Burke, Senior Center Manager, the outside area along the Sammamish Trail is a city park and is open to all.  Volleyball, horse-shoes, and pickle ball, badmitten, and shuffle board are open to the public, as are the picnic tables.  Check into the front desk for balls, rackets and horse shoes.  The Center has four indoor ping pong tables and three billiard tables.

Center hours are M-Th, 8:30 - 9 p.m. and Friday 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.   The Center is interested in attracting more 30-49 year-olds and is expecting most teens will attend the Teen Center.  The Redmond Senior Center is located at 8703 - 160th Ave NE.  Their website is being updated but has contact information and a brief listing of services.

RNB reported on adult teen and low 20's access to the Senior Science Center in August of 2009.  My story and pictures of the "outdoor park play area" are here. 

Redmond Community Space History

 History of community space in Redmond

From 2000 through 2017, the City of Redmond operated 72,300 square feet of community center space through the Old Redmond Schoolhouse, Old Firehouse Teen Center, and Redmond Senior Center. The Old Redmond Schoolhouse was the City's main community center through an inter-local agreement with Lake Washington School District. Annual usage of this 40,000 square foot space included 170,000 annual visitors, 125 large-scale rentals for cultural celebrations, dances and milestone moments, 35 ongoing community rentals, and a variety of recreation services.

In December 2017, the City relocated from the Old Redmond Schoolhouse to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village (leased from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology), decreasing available space to 50,600 square feet. While many services, rentals and activities were relocated to the new community center, some ongoing community rentals, sports programs, and partnerships were canceled due to space limitations.

Redmond Senior and Community Center Tour / Groundbreaking June 2nd

Join the architect in a walking tour throughout the Senior & Community Center.

Community Invited to Celebrate Groundbreaking of the New Redmond Senior & Community Center

REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond invites community members to celebrate the commencement of the construction for the new Redmond Senior & Community Center during a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 2. Brief remarks from Mayor Angela Birney and Parks and Recreation Interim Director Loreen Hamilton will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the site of the new center, 8703 160th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, followed by an open house inside the lobby of City Hall. 

“We are excited to see all of the planning and community engagement coming to fruition during the construction phase,” said Interim Director Hamilton. “A new community center with dedicated space for seniors, as well as additional recreational opportunities is the culmination of years of work and collaboration across the City, including input from a wide variety of stakeholders and Redmond seniors.”

The new Redmond Senior & Community Center will be a 52,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, with a total project budget of *$48 million. The building will utilize LEED-certified materials, efficient energy-conserving systems, and rooftop solar panels which will provide 50% of the building’s electricity. The City of Redmond began outreach for the project in 2020, which confirmed Redmond’s need for a larger center to serve the senior population while also serving the entire community with cultural arts, events, and multigenerational recreation experiences and gathering space.

Updated: It's Estimated The Senior Center Will Re-Open In 2.5 - 3 Years

The estimated cost to demolish and rebuild is about $21 million; estimated cost to renovate is $20 million. Owing to the Critical Areas Ordinance, the new building will move 20-30 feet away from the river with possible impacts to the green house.

The Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Hite and Project engineer Eric Dawson updated Council on the status of the Senior Center during their December 3rd Regular meeting. In August, two stucco panels near the loading dock fell off (fortunately no one was hurt) and serious dry rot was found throughout the plywood of the exterior walls. Though the roof is about 30 years old it was in satisfactory condition. Owing to dangerous conditions, the Center was immediately closed on September 9th. Ms. Hite said many of the Center's activities were re-located to 1) City Hall (Bytes Cafe and the conference rooms, 2) Marymoor Village, Old Redmond School House, 3) Grasslawn Arts Center and other places. 

In response to Councilmember Jeralee Andrson's timeline question, Hite said it's estimated the Center will re-open in 2.5 years if renovated and 3 years if demolished and rebuilt. For sustainability Jaralee recommended the waste be recycled.

Ms. Hite suggested an opportunity to expand to 4-stories was possible -- for work force housing, affordable housing, an urban school, etc.  Councilmember Hank Myers said he was by no means in  favor of an expansion. He insisted on rebuilding ASAP; the audience clapped. It seemed a salute, with parting thanks.  (Hank lost to Varisha Khan in the general election by 66 votes; this was one of his last council meetings.)  Hank asked the City to do preventative maintenance on all their buildings on a regular basis, just as people do with their cars.

Councilmember Steve Fields agreed with Hank.  He noted black mold was regularly bleached out of the green house.and had anecdotal evidence someone pushed their hand through one of the walls. He recommended anecdotal feedback be a part of the preventative maintenance program. Councilmember Tanika Padhye asked if the public engagement process would be thorough and fast-tracked.  Ms. Hite suggested a few Public meetings would probably be sufficient.

Council President and Mayor-elect Angela Birney was "encouraged that to rebuild or to fix is about the same, so at least that doesn't seem to be a big task to go one way or the other."  She said over the years she learned a lot about what improvements Seniors wanted in their Center. Angela looked forward to establishing partnerships.  She was "a little sad about the 2-3 years."

Vice President Councilmember David Carson said it was "a chance for amenities to be added."  He was not for renovating or remodeling.   

Hank Myers calculated the city already had the funds to re-build saying $15 million was authorized for Senior Center improvements in November of 2018.  (Unfortunately, the improvements weren't done until it was too late.)  Hank also noted the city was sitting on $6 million of one-time money from the 2017 -2018 budget. Thus, with the $15 million, there's money in the budget to re-build. Hank received another clap.  He was one of my favorite Councilmembers.

Reported by Bob Yoder
12/4/2019

Input is requested on the Senior and Community Centers

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond invites community members to give their input on the program and design process for the future Redmond Senior and Community Center. The community is invited to join a virtual public meeting on February 24 from 1-3 p.m. for seniors and 6:30-8:30 p.m. for all ages. In addition to this meeting, an online questionnaire is available through March 10. To RSVP for this meeting or to complete the questionnaire, visit the project webpage at www.redmond.gov/RSCC.

Thousands of citizens have been polled on the Senior Center in recent years.  With the Centers not opening in a few years from now; I won't be participating in this survey.  I'll wait for the next one. -- B. Yoder, 2/16/2021

City Council and Mayor meet with Parks and Trails Commissioners to study the proposal for a new pool, community center, teen center and senior center

The City Council (minus Stillin and Allen) met with eight Parks and Trails Commissioners to study "The Recreation Master Plan" composed of a proposed new city pool, recreation center, teen center and senior center (Community Center).  Past Parks Chair Tom Sanko ran down a list characteristics as to why the Community Center should be located in the downtown core ie. contribution to economic vitality, walkability, reduce congestion, more transit options, near trail connections, multiple car routes. 

Mayor Marchione asked if we needed a new pool.  Parks Chair and future councilmember Angela Birney said Hartman Pool can be expected to fail in 3-5 years and it will be down for one week of repairs this year.  Mayor Marchione said "it was hanging on by a thread."  Others said there were not enough places in the area for swim lessons and a new pool would be a good recreation center especially in the winter months.  They see the pool as muli-purpose and not just for competitive swimming.

Council President Margeson said it was urgent that the city needs a new pool and community center.  He said the Old Redmond School House Community Center is owned by LWSD and they may have plans to take it back.  Mayor Marchione said Council met with the City of Kirkland about their plans for a new pool and said "I don't find anything that gets city council excited" about going in with them on a new pool. 

Most all at the table agreed it would be good to look into a Metropolitan Park District to include taxpayers in the 98053 zip code to help with funding.  Residents on Union Hill and Redmond Ridge use Redmond recreation programs now and could be expected to use a new "Community Center". Mayor Marchione said he talked with King County about siting the Community Center in Marymoor Park but they wanted nothing to do with it plus Council wanted the center to be downtown.  Belleuve and Kirkland are both looking to build new pools and Councilmember Carson suggested we try to work with them to cut costs. 

Councilmember Hank Myers said "we've been wrestling with this for four years and seem to be going in circles."  He asked the commission for better guidance and was disappointed they were not making more progress.  Angela Birney suggested a Steering Committee. 

Mayor Marchione said there were four sites under consideration and asked each member to list their favorite site.  Seven members (Myers) liked the largest and most expensive "West Park" site (South of 85th and east of 154th).  Carson liked the North West Park site where the city owns some land.
Flynn, Margeson, and Shutz like the site across from City Hall on 85th.  Four members like the fire station/skate board park site, including Shutz as his second choice.  The Mayor didn't state a preference but Shutz usually always represents what the Mayor wants.

Reported by Bob Yoder 






 

Residents Invited to Senior & Community Center "Topping Ceremony"

1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Redmond Senior & Community Center

REDMOND, WA - Redmond’s new community gathering place continues to mark milestones and make great strides in construction. Next week, the community is invited to join the City of Redmond in celebrating the Redmond Senior & Community Center Topping Out Ceremony, as the project team places a beam in the tallest section of the building. The event will take place from 1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the construction site adjacent to Redmond City Hall at 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052.

The State Of The Senior and Community Center

Council will make a final decision on the Senior and Community Center in early September.  Below is some interesting information on progress to date:

• The final recommendation from the Stakeholder Group Summary is to construct a 40,000 square foot Community Center with designated program space for seniors on the site of the existing Redmond Senior Center. This new facility is being referred to as the Redmond Senior and Community Center. 
• The proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2021-2026 outlines the priorities for the next six years. The Redmond Senior and Community Center is a top priority with $20 million designated for this project in the CIP and an additional $25 million in tax revenue (previously raised) for a total project budget of $45 million. This proposal is subject to City Council approval.
• At the June 23 City Council Study Session, City Council voted to authorize the Mayor to decommission and demolish the Redmond Senior Center building. City staff will move forward with an RFQ process to seek bids to move forward with this work. This decision will save $180,000 in one year and significant staff time. In addition, decommissioning the building in the dry season will be more efficient than waiting until next winter.

-- redmond.gov, July, 2020

City sets conceptual plan for its recreational buildings - Includes $57 million community recreation center

The City is going ahead with their conceptual plans to:  1) renovate the Senior Center, 2) replace the Old Redmond School Community Center (ORSCC) and Hartman Pool with a new community recreation center, 3) build structured parking between the library and city hall, and 4) move the teen center to a new, stand alone building.  LWSD would take over the ORSCC.  Council expects to decide on final plans by June and the Mayor expected financing decisions with or without a bond by October of 2014. 


The conceptual plan to locate the new community recreation center and structured parking between the library and city hall drew the most discussion and concern by councilmembers in their April 7 study session.  There was consensus that it was not the best location but it made the most sense considering the few alternatives for land available.  Council President Margeson made slight mention of using the Heron Rookery forest as a site but there was no discussion on that subject.  Councilmember Myers pointed out a good location for the teen center is next to the Skate Board Park.


Renovation and expansion of the Senior Center is the city's #1 priority.  4,000 square feet would be added for a total cost estimated at $9.2 million.  The Community Recreation Center is estimated to be 85,600 square feet at a cost of $57.3 million.  It would include:  recreation and competition pools, a gym, fitness and walking/running track, indoor play space, classrooms, and rental rooms.  The structured parking space would add 400 stalls at a cost of $6.8 million.  A $200,000 covered walkway would connect the Center to the parking facility.  The LWSD may partner with the City in construction or operations of the Center. 


Reported by Bob Yoder





 

2/4/09, UPDATED: Will Redmond Town Center partner with the City on flood protections and salmon preservation?

2nd in a series of opinions on Redmond Town Center.

UPDATED 2/4/2009  You'll find a post 2 days ago trying to understand the relationship between Redmond Town Center and the City. Talk from some neighbors and my review of several city council meetings reveal the city was negotiating with Redmond Town Center for Bear Creek buffer land. It appeared from these talks the city was frustrated with Redmond Town Center and their owner, Macerich REIT.  Its since been learned, the relationship is back on track with hopefully no strings attached by Macerich.

According to Mayor John Marchione: "...Regarding the (Redmond) blog, the City has a very good relationship with Redmond Town Center. We are working together to transfer land buffering Bear Creek to City control. Earlier in the year we approached Macerich for permission to perform survey work on the land in anticipation of the project. There was a delay as attorney’s work on language. But the delay was weeks, not months or years.....  Read More >>

City Council Selects Name for New Community Center

 Posted on: August 22, 2022

Citizens give testimony asking for "Senior" in the Center name.

  (click picture to enlarge)

REDMOND, WA – At their Aug. 16 business meeting, members of the Redmond City Council voted ( *four to one) in support of naming the City’s new community center the Redmond Senior & Community Center. The name recognizes the new facility as a space for all generations to enjoy, gather, and recreate. Throughout the robust naming process, community members shared that they appreciated the name’s descriptiveness and that it clearly identifies the building as a place where seniors can feel comfortable and welcome. 

The name was selected in accordance with the City’s process for naming new city facilities and included extensive community outreach and involvement. Initially, 31 names were collected from key stakeholders and then staff reviewed the options and narrowed the list to three. This list was shared with the Redmond community for feedback at community events and in an online questionnaire, which received nearly 350 responses. Following this outreach, Parks and Recreation Department staff presented the options and feedback to the Parks and Trails Commission, which put forward a recommendation that was presented with the feedback to City Council. The Council discussed the recommendation and alternative names at length and determined the approved name was the best suited for the new building.

“We are excited for this important milestone and thank everyone who shared their voices throughout the process,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “We are now one step closer to providing a new welcoming space in Redmond that is designed for all ages to recreate, meet, and build community.”

The Redmond Senior & Community Center will be a 52,000-square-foot facility. The building will utilize LEED-certified materials, efficient energy-conserving systems, and rooftop solar panels which will provide 50% of the building’s electricity. The City began outreach for the project in 2020, which confirmed Redmond’s need for a larger center to serve the senior population, while also serving the entire community with cultural arts, events, and multigenerational recreation experiences and gathering space.

The new community center is slated to open in late 2023 on the site of the former Redmond Senior Center, adjacent to City Hall on Redmond’s Municipal Campus. The design concept includes a senior lounge and library, a multipurpose community room with a commercial kitchen, active recreation areas and gym, locker rooms, classroom and meeting space, and a supervised Kid Zone for Redmond’s youngest community members.

For more information about the project, visit redmond.gov/RSCC.

Comment:  * David Carson, Steve Fields, Jessica Forsythe, and Malissa Stewart voted "yes," Jaralee Anderson voted "no." Vanessa Kritzer was on family leave, and Varisha Kahn didn't show.  (Ms. Kahn is about 25 years old.)  

Surprisingly, the debate on "name" took several meetings and was contentious at times. I personally didn't hear one citizen give pro-Red Oak CC testemonity.  Staff pushed hard for Red Oak.  Council member Steve Fields concluded "we are very fortunate to have this community resource, regardless of name." Applause from both sides followed  -- Bob 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

Redmond Senior Center hosts community pet fair - for all ages!

The City of Redmond will host a pet fair, Whiskers, Wings & Wagging Tails, on Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 3pm at the Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Avenue NE. This event will be fun for all ages with stories and crafts for children as well as animals ready for adoption, a doggy fashion show and dog demonstrations including agility, canine freestyle and flyball races.

The King County Library system and the Delta Society will host the kids' corner while outside, Bellevue author Wendy Wahman, will participate in a story walk featuring her book, "Don't Lick the Dog." The Seattle Humane Society, King County Animal Control and Care and other local animal welfare organizations will bring a variety of animals for adoption.

"Pets have become an important part of the family over the last decade," stated Teri Burke, Program Coordinator at the City of Redmond. "This fair is designed to help all those interested in animals learn the best ways to look after and love their pet."

The event will also include information and advice for the animal owner, prospective animal owner or those who just love pets. Local trainers, boarding facilities representatives and veterinarians will be available. Redmond's newest pet store, Pet Pros will be on site with giveaways.

Well mannered, house trained pets on a six foot or shorter leash are welcome. For more information, contact the Redmond Senior Center at 425-556-2314 or tburke@redmond.gov

Posted by Yoder
City Website Senior Center Page

UPDATED, EvergreenHealth Levy

EvergreenHealth Community Hospital

EvergreenHealth's current levy is  ~2% of King County's property tax.  A levy lid-lift may be proposed November of 2024.

EvergreenHealth's Board of Seven Commissioners have the final say on the distribution of levy funds each year, with recommendations of a standing levy committee.

30% of the Levy is allocated to "programs." The remaining 70% is allocated to "capital expenditures."  Many of the levy-supported programs specifically address the special needs of under-served and high-risk community members, most of the programs are for use by the entire community.  Capital expenditures often go towards funding instruments, labs, EPIC "My Chart," infrastructure and the like.  

2023 Levy Program Directory:

Supporting Students in Crisis

EvergreenHealth provides social workers to Lake Washington School District high schools to assess students with high-risk behaviors and mental health concerns for free. The EvergreenHealth social workers meet with students 1:1, conduct groups, provide support to parents, and coordinate with school officials to keep students safe and connected to community providers. In 2021, our social workers helped 401 high school students during mental health crises.

High School Mental Health Therapists

Community funds also help the Northshore School District provide students access to mental health counselors. They meet individually and in small groups to address student needs. Supportive resources are also made available to students grieving the loss of a loved one. In 2021, our therapists served 1,264 students and responded to 47 crisis visits.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

EvergreenHealth's free Youth Mental Health First Aid training provides educators, coaches and other volunteers who work with students the tools to help adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis or addiction challenge.

Participants are taught how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and crises, what to say and how to talk with someone, and how to refer to professional resources for help.

[NAMI Eastside and LWSD also provide free Youth Mental Health First Aid training.  I took it - great program]

STEM Global Health Education Partnership

EvergreenHealth partners with our local school districts to give students the opportunity to learn about global health initiatives through job shadowing, attending Grand Rounds and hearing from guest speakers. These kinds of partnerships give students the opportunity to immerse themselves early on in learning about careers in science, health care and so many other industries.

Community Health Needs

EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigator & Healthline

In 2021, our 24/7 Nurse Navigator & Healthline served more than 108,000 calls from our community for free, helping you with scheduling, referrals and answering those health-related questions even Google can't help with.

Healthline played a pivotal role in 2021, connecting thousands of neighbors with accurate information on COVID-19 and pandemic resources. More than 50,000 callers received nursing triage advice, getting help with home remedies for common ailments as well as diagnostic support for various illnesses.

Call (425) 899-3000 to be connected to the Healthline.

Community Health Education Services

EvergreenHealth's Community Health Education Services provided more than 790 community-funded classes and programs in 2021. Roughly 4,300 community members participated, taking the opportunity to enrich their lives with the kind of lessons only we can teach. As a community-owned health system, our curriculum and programs look to address the diverse needs of our region while building a sense of community for you and your neighbors around common interests.

Find a health class 

Hospice Care Center

The Gene & Irene Wockner freestanding hospice center has 15 beds and serves hospice patients in King and Snohomish counties. It is the only hospice center in both counties and provides you or your loved ones with short-term acute care, with the goal of discharging home once symptoms have been stabilized.

For more information, call (425) 899-3300.

Senior Center Temporarily Closed

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Senior Center (RSC), located at 8703 160^th Avenue NE recently underwent an exterior building evaluation in preparation for long term maintenance and repairs outlined in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). RSC’s mechanical systems, roof, and building exterior are scheduled to be replaced in 2021. This evaluation conducted by a contracted structural engineering firm confirmed extensive structural damage to the exterior walls and substantial impact to both the lateral and gravity systems.

To allow for the ongoing investigation of the building interior and roof, the building has been vacated and will have limited entry for building inspectors and engineers to conduct further assessment. Programs, rentals, and events will be relocated to alternative locations with the goal of minimal impact to service.

“We will continue to keep the community informed and we are working to minimize impact to services,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Carrie Hite.

The Redmond Senior Center (RSC) was constructed in 1991 and serves an estimated 45,000 visitors per year. The center provides a variety of classes and activities for active adults age 50 or better throughout the day. In the evening and weekends, the center offers multi-generational programs and rentals for gathering and events.

City plans transition from Old Redmond Schoolhouse

Dr. Mary M. Goings, President of LWIT and OneRedmond
Board member. Dr. Goings received a standing ovation at
the Mayor's "State of the City" breakfast this month.

As part of the Lake Washington School District’s long-term facilities planning, the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center will be remodeled for district preschool programs, which serve special needs and low-income families. The renovated school will include 10-preschool classrooms, a gym, and a commons area. The current lease agreement between the City and the District will end effective June 2018 to allow time for renovations. The City and the District are working together as the use of Old Redmond School House Community Center (ORSCC) changes. During the short-term transition time, recreation programs at ORSCC will be relocated to the Redmond Senior Center, Teen Center, LWSD schools, and potential leased space at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology RedmondCampus (20,000 sq ft.) 

The recommended leased site will not only absorb current programming but will allow for additional program demands such as arts, culture, camps and family programs. Lease costs are estimated at approximately $500,000 per year with additional funds needed (approximately $100,000) for the decommissioning of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse and staff moving costs. Staff recommends these costs be supported through Real Estate Excise Tax collections received in 2016 over forecasted amounts. The temporary solution allows the City to use capital money until a more permanent resolution is agreed upon. Lease terms are in two year increments.

Time Restraints:  Due to the timeframe for registration of programs and renters needs for communicating to their organizations; staff recommends that small modifications be made to the Redmond Senior Center and Teen Center in July 2017 to accommodate varied programming. All programming recommended to relocate to the above two sites is encouraged to move by Fall 2017 for a smooth transition. This will give time to provide marketing support and identify any facility operational issues. The potential leased space (Lake Washington Institute of Technology) is available now, staff recommends to relocate in the late fall of 2017. This will allow for time for decommissioning of ORSCC and the commissioning of LWIT facility for programming, marketing and outreach to the community in preparation for full implementation of programs and services starting in first quarter 2018.

-- May 9th Study Session, Agenda III
redmond.gov