Red-breasted Sapsucker behind the Senior Center

Red-breasted Sapsucker
(click to enlarge)

By John Reinke
Education Hill resident

On a recent sunny May afternoon, I decided to sit out on the patio behind the Redmond Senior Center and read my newspaper.  No sooner had I unfolded it, when I noticed a beautiful red-breasted sapsucker hammering the bark of a silver birch growing up against the side of the Center.

I was astonished to see this normally shy bird so close to human habitation, with folks occasionally passing in and out of the door no more than 25 feet away.  Unwilling to let the opportunity escape me, I fished out my pocket camera and snapped off a few quick shots.  Then I remembered that my much better zoom camera was in the trunk of my car.  I scurried away to the parking lot and retrieved it, hopeful that the bird would still be there when I returned.

Indeed it was, and I proceeded to click away.  To my surprise, the sapsucker let me approach quite close to the tree without flying off.  I observed that there were several rows of holes that it had drilled at various levels.  Sap was flowing down the trunk in a frothy stream from a few of the more recent holes.

I gradually moved closer, until ultimately I was no more than about seven feet from the tree.  The sapsucker was clinging to the bark perhaps eight feet up from the ground and seemed quite unperturbed by my approach.  Over the course of the next several days, I returned to take more photos, and frequently found it busily enlarging holes or making new ones.  I also observed butterflies, ants, and a wasp feeding on the bubbly sap.  I even took photos of a land snail high up on the trunk near the holes, but I couldn't tell if it was there because it had been attracted by the sap.  After a few weeks, the sapsucker no longer showed up.

Curiously enough, in mid April, I had photographed a red-breasted sapsucker entering its nest hole very high up in a dying poplar.  The tree was located on the east side of the Sammamish River Trail across from the rusty bridge, about a half mile north of the Senior Center.  I wondered if it could have been the same bird?

Red-breasted sapsuckers are classified as fairly common west of the Cascade Mountains, according to the Seattle Audubon Society.  Males and females look much alike and vary in size from slightly less than 8 inches to slightly less than 9 inches.  They also feed on insects that are attracted to sap. 

Mayor Marchione presents 4 sites for the proposed pool-community center-senior center-teen center complex

Mayor Marchione and his staff presented four potential sites for a proposed "community center-pool-senior center-teen center" complex to city council last night.  All sites, according to President Hank Margeson had some drawbacks -- mostly parking and traffic flow.  Council agreed to spend $17,000 to further study three of the sites.

So far the site that has gotten the most study and review by Marchione is Fire Station 11 headquarters and the Edge Skate park.  Yes, that's right.  They are actually considering removing both the downtown Fire Station and the Edge Skate Park.  Parks Director Larson said the Skate Park could be re-built on the city campus and it would be larger then the present park.  They would probably have to buy land to rebuild the Fire Station headquarters. 

Though President Margeson didn't commit to a site preference, he liked the nearby parking available from the Park and Ride building.  Councilmember David Carson indicated his preference in working with Kirkland on a pool and was concerned about the high costs associated with the complex.  He didn't like the Firehouse/Skate Board site.  Councilmember Allen wanted more information on the de-watering and associated costs that would have to be done on the sites.  Councilmember Hank Myers asked for traffic studies. 

It just seems like Marchione and staff are dead set on cramming in all these recreational buildings into downtown Redmond -- which is already stressed out from traffic and parking issues.  Hopefully Redmond can work with Kirkland on a joint pool site.

Marchione, Carson, and Myers terms of office are expiring on 12/31/2015 and it's not too late to apply with King County Elections to run for office.

Reported/Opinion by Bob Yoder

 

Talk around town - Redmond Town Center

This is the first in a series of opinions on Redmond Town Center.

UPDATED, 12/7: Over a long period of time, I've heard talk of an unsavory relationship between Redmond Town Center (RTC) and the City of Redmond. For the benefit of the Center, the City and our neighborhoods, now may be a time to air the laundry that's been hanging around our town.

By no means do I know all the details, or for that matter the facts. Only a word here and there from my neighbors and recently some muffled emoting and non-specific budget adjusting during a recent Council session. It appears the vitriol between Redmond Town Center (owned by Macerich REIT) and City started years ago during the Ives Administration. What I have heard is the corporate owner and operator of Redmond Town Center -Macerich REIT - didn't want anything to do with the City. I heard the blood was so bad, Macerich REIT didn't want anyone from the City of Redmond on their property. My hope is these rumors are overstated and the relationship between Redmond Town Center and the City has mended. But I wonder...

At this time, rumor has it that Redmond Town Center is demanding **$1,097,000 from the City in exchange for land they own buffering Bear Creek. The City needs the land to restore Bear Creek for flood control and habitat preservation. It is hoped negotiations will bring repair and renewal for all parties. **The latest number is lowered - to the mid-six figures.

Redmond Town Center is owned and operated by Macerich REIT out of Santa Monica, CA. (ticker MAC). They are a one of the largest owner-operators of retail space in the country. Macerich is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with 72 retail centers, 72MM square feet, 3,000 employees. 2007 revenues were $813,272,000 -- not far from a billion. Have you heard of Tyson's Corner Center, VA.? They own it.

Retailers (who depend on us) are having a rough time with this economy. Fortunate for Macerich, Redmond Town Center's 10-year leases expired last year and Redmond Town Center has signed more lucrative tenants with higher lease payments. The City is not raising business taxes this biennium. The bottom line: Redmond Town Center is not hurting, has deep pockets and tax support from the City. Macerich REIT stock was up 4% on Black Friday.

What appears to be hurting is Macerich-RTC's ability to overcome their past problems and renew a positive relationship with the city and neighborhoods that support them.

Redmond Town Center advertises Redmond's Bear Creek natural area as an amenity to attract customers and further their business. The RTC website advertises: "Conforming with the active, outdoor Pacific Northwest lifestyle, the Center is also surrounded by 45 acres of dedicated green space, active salmon-spawning habitat and a regional trail system." Look at RTC's LOGO and you'll see a rendering of Bear Creek! (top of page).

ATTN: REDMOND TOWN CENTER: As our community partner, please dedicate to Redmond and Redmond neighborhoods your portion of the 45 acre buffer to protect the spawning-habitat we all value. Please partner with Redmond to share in the costs of restoring the Bear Creek buffer. Please re-invest your resources back to our community for a better, safer Redmond for shareholder satisfaction.

An excerpt from Macerich's website on social responsibility: "We strive to meet community challenges through a combination of employee volunteerism, financial support, in-kind donations and partnerships with non-profit organizations whose missions are consistent with our own vision and values." We have similar values! Let's work together to save what we cherish.

It is hoped that Mr. Steven Chaffee, Senior Property Manager of Redmond Town Center can help us. Additionally, Redmond Town Center's owner Macerich, must know they built their Center on a 100-year flood plain and will enjoy flood protections from this restoration.

Comments? (Mayor Marchione commented)

CC: Mayor John Marchione, Rob Odle (Dir. of Planning and Development), Nancy McCormick (Council Pres.), Steven Chaffee, Macerich Corporate Headquarters - Executives, Redmond Neighborhood Associations (9), RTC merchants, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Washington School District PTSA members.

Celebrate the Centennial and Redmond Lights on Dec. 1

Redmond, WA —Kick-off the holiday season by joining Redmond residents, businesses, and the community at large by celebrating Redmond’s Centennial by day and Redmond Lights by night! Both events will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012. The Centennial Celebration will take place from Noon-4:00pm at the Redmond City Hall Campus. Redmond Lights will take place from 4:00pm to 8:00pm beginning at City Hall before proceeding down the Sammamish River Trail to Redmond Town Center.

In preparation for the Centennial time capsule, citizens are encouraged to donate items of interest or historical significance. Suggestions include Redmond High School class of 2012 memorabilia, Derby Days ribbons, or historic photos. For details, visit 100years.redmond.gov.   Read More >>

UPDATED, 6/26/22: Redmond's Heritage Oak Tree

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The Oak Heritage Tree
Chris Weber, Arts Administrator next to trunk 
(click to enlarge)

Opinion:  Mayor Angela Birney's "Senior & Community Center" groundbreaking ceremony yesterday was fabulous.  After the ceremony, we walked to City Hall for a poster session and to meet *city staff, our elected and city leaders.  

We were asked to "vote with stones" for a building name we liked best. I recommended "Red Oak Senior Center" on one side and "Redmond Community Center" on the other side. I really hope it's the peoples' choice.  So, what's so special about "Northern Red Oaks" Quercus Rubra?

• They grow 300+ years and have been in existence 400 years.
• Excellent shade trees, beautiful fall colors.
• Tolerant to urban conditions, powerful winds, drought.
• They originated in England. Not native to the NW.  "Easy and comfortable to transplant." 
• Fast growing, 2 feet/year, the first 10 years
• Top off at 70 feet - 88 feet, round shape
• Diameter:  47 inches.

This Red Oak may have gotten it's start from a sapling, a transplant (or an acorn 😁 )  Construction at the site will yield 191 tree replacements; I hope some of the  replacements will be Red Oaks. Perhaps a grove could be planted with tables and chairs under the canopy?  Three other landmark Red Oaks are on the property.

The Heritage Tree is decorated with lights every year for the holidays.  A mayoral ceremony under the tree usually starts the Luminary Walk.  The tree is actually not on the Senior Center site. 

* SEEN:  Hank Myers, Hank Margeson, Vanessa Kritzer, Angela Birney, Pat Vache', Arnie Tomac, Laura Lee Bennett, John Oftebro, Cherl Strong Magnuson, Rosemarie Ives, John Couch, Jessica Forsythe, Eric Dawson (project manager,) Zach Houvener, Loreen Hamilton (parks director.) Jim Kalelage (architect,) John Marchione, Sue Stewart, Chris Weber, Marty Boggs, David and Chip. 

Source:  https://localtreeestimates.com/northern-red-oak/

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, 6/3/2022

John Reinke discovers the Crinkle-leaf Creeper

John Reinke with a quart of berries he found (and ate!) at the Redmond Senior Center

The Crinkle-leaf Creeper

John Reinke of Education Hill is an avid photographer of nature along the Sammamish River Trail.  Over the years, I've posted scores of his photos and nature stories. The Redmond and Woodinville libraries once exhibited his Sammamish River photos; and he displayed them during Derby Days one year.

To view John's photo collection and stories go here.  Click on "old posts" at the bottom of each string of photos, to see more. 

Early this summer John came upon some interesting ground cover at the Senior Center.  It had orange-yellow berries.  John did some research and learned the plant is "Crinkle-leaf Creeper" (scientific name: rubus calycinoides) and the berries are edible!  He shared some with me, so sweet and tangy. We found the creeper in parking lot islands throughout the city -- PCC, City Hall/Library, and the Senior Center.  The berries are out of season now, but don't miss out next Spring and early Summer; and no thorns to avoid!

Are there nurseries that sell them?  The city might know of some.  Here's a link to the WSU extension website, where the plant is described:  http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=351

Thanks for your find John... and all your Redmond nature photos over the years.

Here's to some good picking!

Bob Yoder

Eggstravaganza coming to Redmond

I can't tell you how excited my kids are that the City of Redmond's Eggstravaganza is just around the corner.

This annual event, held at the Redmond Senior Center on March 22nd, is a big hit at our house. Sure the Easter Bunny visits my kids at home and leaves them baskets of goodies in the back yard next to her hole. And of course we decorate eggs with stickers, crayons and dye that takes days to get scrubbed off my kitchen table. But nothing beats heading down to be with our neighbors and friends hunting eggs with candy inside for the little ones.

The first time we went, we paid for the Traditional Hunt and Pancake Breakfast that is held inside the Senior Center from 8am to 11am and put on by our local Lions Club. This year, it'll be in Classroom #24361, but in the past years that we've been to this event, we've just headed to the actual hunt at 10am (SHARP) and slept in a bit. (Around our house, the Easter Bunny wakes up very early to put those baskets near her dug out hole with the chewed up carrots. Then after she's done, she goes back to bed!) I also like that the "hunt" is held in an open area so I can see where the kids are at all times while I'm having a conversation with the other parents that are there.

After the hunt, we head inside (admission is $5 for kids and $7 for adults) for some face coloring, arts and crafts and games. And who can resist a photo with Mr(s) Bunny ($3 donation) to send back home to the grandparents? It sure beats the photos at Bellevue Square Mall that start at $19!!! Last year they started a Flashlight Hunt and Family Dance from 7pm to 10pm, also at the Senior Center, but our little ones are just to young for such an event.

Thanks to Jill and the City for providing such a great non-religious event that my family can take pleasure in and giving us a chance to see the community come out to enjoy the day. To learn more about the Eggstravaganza, visit the City of Redmond's website and we'll see you there! Rain or shine.

Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi
Co-Author, Overlake Neighborhood

About Redmond

Redmond is the seventh most populous city in King County and the sixteenth most populous city in the State of Washington, with a residential population of approximately 59,180 in 2015. It encompasses an area of over 17.14 square miles and is located less than 20 miles east of downtown Seattle at the north end of Lake Sammamish. The city prides itself for its high quality of life with good schools, a healthy economic base, a parks system that provides a variety of active and passive recreational opportunities, diverse offerings for shopping and dining, safe neighborhoods, and an emphasis on quality development and protection of the natural environment. 

Redmond's park system consists of 31 developed and 14 undeveloped parks on over 1,345 acres and 29 miles of developed trails. Facilities range from community, neighborhood, and resource parks to undeveloped open space, beautification areas, and gathering places. They include a waterfront park on Lake Sammamish (Idylwood), a wildlife preserve known as the Redmond Watershed, and a farm with equestrian facilities at Farrel-McWhirter Park. Recreation programs provide learning, socializing, and entertainment opportunities for preschoolers through senior adults and an active cultural arts scene. Facilities include a senior center, a teen center, a community center, and two log cabins at Anderson Park. In addition, King County operates numerous trail connections with Redmond's system and points beyond. 

The city is well known as a center of technology and the location for a number of nationally known high-tech and biomedical companies. Among these are Microsoft, Nintendo, AT&T and Physio-Control. Redmond Town Center, a large downtown retail center, offers numerous shops, restaurants, three movie theaters, special events, and live performances by a repertory theater company and other arts-related groups.

As Redmond continues to evolve into a thriving city of increasing diversity, it seeks to promote its sense of community through programs designed to celebrate its heritage, enhance its neighborhoods, and preserve its historical and natural treasures.

With 53 schools and more than 24,000 students, the Lake Washington School District, the school district for the cities of Redmond, Sammamish and Kirkland combined, is one of the largest in the state. It is also a reflection of the community it serves, generally upper middle class and technology-comfortable. Scores on standardized tests place the district in the state's top 10 percent. The curriculum has been praised in several national education publications for its comprehensive approach to student-centered learning, and over 100 districts around the country are adapting it for their own use.

-- redmond.gov, 2016 -- two log cabins? fuuuunty!  Who wrote this?   by

The River, Landmark Oak Trees, And Summer Fun

 

 Heritage Red Oak Tree in apparent distress during Senior Center construction.
(click to enlarge)

After a Vision Redmond 2050 meeting last night I joined Pam for some awesome "Hey Jude dancing" to the "Beatnicks." It was Rockn' on the River time!   

The Senior & Community building construction was nearby so we checked it out.  We first noticed the Heritage Red Oak Tree.  Not to alarm, but I'm concerned for its health.  Notice the mound of earth piled within the dripline root zone.  The roots are clearly disturbed.  Near the trunk a subsurface cement box is dug-out. Does the right side of the tree look somewhat shriveled/limp to you?  Why is the invasive work done in the heat of the summer?   

Worries out of the way, we then rushed to see if Council kept Red Oak 161. Yes, they did!  All three landmark Red Oaks are standing tall.  Three other good sized trees remain nearby.  

At a Council meeting (7/26) the Parks Director reported concerns that removing the tree will increase  impervious surfaces in the shoreline buffer.  In my opinion, pervious asphalt should be installed on the Center walkways within the shoreline buffer. Yes, it's expensive but if the city can install pervious asphalt on the entire Phase II Central Trail Connector they can certainly afford it on the State shoreline buffer.  

It was nice to see the white detention tanks for treating runoff.  They looked new, state of the art, and clean.  Only the best for the Sammamish River!

After Rockn' on the River was over we ran into Marty Boggs, Senior Center Administrator; he noted something extraordinary.  There wasn't a shred of litter on the lawns!  Said Marty, "It's like this every year, Redmond is a special place"   

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 8/12/2022

Senior Center is demolished

On the second day of the Senior Center demolition, this lady with baby carriage strolls past the Center towards the Sammamish River Trail. On the first day Mayor Birney showed up for a photo op with a golden sledgehammer.  

- Photo Reinke  11/20/2020

City Signs Lease for Interim Community Center

REDMOND, WA - On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, the City of Redmond signed a two-year lease to occupy the Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) Redmond Campus at 6505 176th Ave. NE effective Dec. 1, 2017, to serve as an interim community center. Built in 2005, the 20,000 square foot LWTech facility has seven classrooms, a tiered classroom with stadium seating, café, state of the art media and sound, and ample parking. 

The City currently offers a diverse range of recreation programs and services out of the Old Redmond School House Community Center (ORSCC), a 40,000 square foot facility located at 16600 NE 80th St. The City has a long-term partnership of sharing space with Lake Washington School District (LWSD), owners of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (ORSCC.) However, as part of the LWSD long-term facilities planning, they will be remodeling ORSCC for district preschool programs serving special needs and low-income families. The current lease between the City and LWSD will end in June 2018 to allow time for renovations.  >>Read More

UPDATED, 2/23/2022 Exciting Senior & Community Center Updates

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Derby Days 2010

Redmond Derby Days Summer Festival July 9 and 10

Redmond, WA— This summer, Redmond will celebrate the 70th Annual Redmond Derby Days Summer Festival. The festival begins on Friday, July 9 from 6 to 10pm and continues on Saturday, July 10 from 10am to 10pm at Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th Street.

Back by popular demand is the free multi-band concert, Friday Night Live. The first group on the Nintendo sponsored stage is Gentleman GaGa, an Old Firehouse Classic Rockathon finalist, followed by The Daily Flash, playing classic 60’s rock. The headliner is the area’s premier Beatles tribute band, The Nowhere Men. They play all the Beatles classics, sounding just like the original Fab Four. Food vendors are on hand for dinner or a snack and the beer and wine garden, sponsored by Black Raven Brewery, provides a great spot for both people and band watching.

New this year is the REI Friday Night Poker Ride, benefitting Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. The 22.5 mile ride through Redmond and Issaquah begins at the Redmond REI store from 5 to 7pm and ends at City Hall Campus, where riders will pick up prizes and enjoy the entertainment, food and drinks. Participants can register at REI.com.

Saturday begins at 10am with the Derby Days Kids Parade, the longest running kid’s parade in the nation. Children and families decorate their “wheels” and themselves in one of the many parade categories. Parade sign-in begins at 9:15am in the Redmond Medical Center parking lot, with the parade beginning at 10am. Arriving early is strongly recommended in order to sign-in before the parade starts.

The Grand Parade immediately follows the Kids Parade. Best viewing of the bands, drill teams and floats is at the corner of NE 85th Street and 161st Avenue NE and along 85th to City Hall.

The Criterium, the nation’s longest running bicycle race, starts at 1:15pm with the last race at 7:15pm. Race spectators can enjoy the fast paced race from the Black Raven Brewery Beer and Wine Garden, located just off the first corner. The beer and wine garden opens at 1pm and offers a prime view seat.

Senior Center "Camp WeGO" Smashing Success

Pam and I were lucky to participate in the the Senior Center's WeGo Sports camp last month. It's for ages 50+. Having a 22-year age "buffer" we were shoe-ins. The sports themed  camp was at the city's iconic Farrel-McWhirter Park. Sara Bouwman curated some fun and stimulating games. The barbeque was tasty. The sing along touched me with familial nostalgia.   Marty Boggs, the Center's manager, lined up sportscaster and storyteller Tony Ventrella as guest speaker. (Marty and Tony are sitting on the lower right.)  He and his staff truly put on an incredible camp.  It was so sad to hear after over 25 years with the city Marty's retiring.  He's moving to a charming city, into a custom home, surrounded by his family. 

Here we are with our Sports Participation Awards -- We were ALL winners!

REPUBLISHED: Underground Stormwater vaults the size of two City Halls are an option for Overlake.

This piece was written in 2009 and republished 720/2012 for your interest.  Details to follow here on it's slated development on the Eastern parking lots of Sears...

Underground Stormwater Treatment Vaults the size of two (2) underground City Halls are planned for Overlake Urban Center.

JULY 7, 2009    The Planning Commission is currently studying the second phase of the Overlake Urban Center Plan. 5,000 residents are expected to move into the Overlake center, many of them Microsoft workers. A proposed Group Health Tower (~10 stories) will anchor the Center. A light rail transit center is planned. The 36th Street Bridge is under construction.

On July 2, 2009 the Parks and Trails Commissioners listened to stormwater presentations for the Overlake Center, by senior stormwater engineer Steve Hitch and OTAK Consultants. All the new roads, buildings and other impervious surfaces will produce dirty stormwater. The runoff will contain oils, sediment, and chemicals that must be treated before it's discharged into streams. The underground "concrete box" (vault) appeared a recommended treatment of choice compared to open ponds. However, today Mr. Hitch commented that "vaults are very costly, and they hide the water, so open facilities are a good alternative."

Open ponds, rain gardens, plazas, walkways, trails, and other Overlake Village design features will be displayed during a public workshop and presentation. See you Thursday, August 6, 2009 5-8pm at the Silver Cloud Hotel, 2122 152nd Ave. NE, Redmond, WA. Overlake Room.

The underground vault(s) are large, equal in size to two (2) underground City Halls! That's correct, two City Halls.  The vaults have many advantages. They will free up 3-4 acres of Open Space. A park-like atmosphere can be designed for the community to embrace. Trails, sidewalks, bike trails, plazas, and other connections can be installed right on top of the vault lid. However, the top priority for it's use remains a stormwater facility.

After the stormwater is treated in the massive vaults, it is discharged into Kelsey Creek, travels to the Mercer Slough and falls out into the East Channel of Lake Washington at 1-90. The City of Redmond is partnering with Bellevue on the route.

The closest I can come to an example of what a large underground vault looks like is this photo. This vault is located on Camwest's 32 -lot Perrigo Heights development. It's the size of "a pin" compared to the proposed Overlake Urban Center's vaults. Camwest's lid top is only about 30 x 60 feet. The Camwest HOA doesn't appear to be using the lid for resident activity, at this time. Treated stormwater from the vault by-passes Hartman wetlands and is discharged into Perrigo Creek, a tributary of Bear Creek.

My primary source for this entry are the audio-tapes from the Redmond Parks & Trails Commission meeting of July 2, 2009 CONTACTS: shitch@redmond.gov (on stormwater vaults) and tmarpert@redmond.gov (on Overlake Urban Center).

Overlake Village Urban Center & Kelsey Creek Watershed GOOGLE DOC LINK.
Your comments and feedback are welcome! It's hard to believe, isn't it?

Senior Center / Community Center Challenged By "Critical Areas"

LAND-2021-00631, Redmond Senior and Community Center Description: The site is located within the Sammamish River stream buffer and Shoreline Environment. The Sammamish River requires a 150-foot stream buffer from the ordinary high-water mark, and the Shoreline Environment extends 200 feet from the ordinary high-water mark. These critical areas offer challenges in terms of site design, where the structure may not be located within 150-foot stream buffer. Structures located within the Shoreline Environment have a maximum height limit of 35 feet. The site design of RSCC navigates through these site constraints, where the western portion of the building is one story, and the eastern section of the building will stand at two stories.

The southerly Community Center includes a gym, weight room facilities, flexible workout room, locker rooms, and staff office space. 

Two pathways from the RSCC are proposed to provide access to the Sammamish River trail. A majority of the lawn will be retained and enhanced for events such as Rocking on the River to encourage residents to interact with more of their community. Additional open space is provided at the outdoor seating areas which act as outdoor extensions of the building. 

Design Review Board Report (not very exciting.)

excerpts and edits

Bob Yoder, 8/6/2021

Senior & Community Center Taking Donations For Solar Power

 

Become a Solar Champion

Leave a green legacy! Help Redmond become carbon neutral and ensure the sustainability of our environment by purchasing a solar panel to power up the new Redmond Senior & Community Center.

Benefit to Champions:

• Solar Champion Sticker
• Name recognition as a Solar Champion on the website
• Your name/organization listed on a Solar Champions plaque in the lobby of the new Redmond Senior & Community Center
• Businesses: Recognition through social media (over 10,000 followers) and one feature on our Parks and Recreation eNewsletter sent to over 28,000 subscribers
• Your investment is tax deductible!

Become a Solar Champion

Budget Priority: "Vibrant & Connected"

 

Vibrant & Connected  Priority Total:  $249,361,974

Vibrant & Connected Priority: The Vibrant and Connected priority supports a well-planned community that provides a sense of place by funding programs and services, including:

Does a new $110 million "Maintenance and Operations Facility" provide a vibrant sense of place for the community?  It's going to cost over twice as much as the Senior Center!

• Fund Maintenance and Operations Center Master Plan ($500,000) to inform the future design and construction of facility replacement ($109,800,000) 

• Support 1.00 FTE Maintenance Technician for Redmond Senior & Community Center ($196,364)

 • Provide funding to further the City’s affordable housing goals ($10,000,000) 

• Invest additional dollars in human service programs, including the expanded senior lunch program ($2,000,000) 

• Support for small business grants ($800,000) through non-profit organizations helping small businesses, including small business advice, marketing, planning, and translation services 

• Invest in a facilities condition assessment ($200,000) and enhanced building security ($200,000) to protect the City’s infrastructure 

• Fund business technology enhancements for audio-visual infrastructure and homeless outreach case management system ($1,166,500) 

These investments will allow Redmond to continue its commitments to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, housing choices, and public safety. 

Select Service Enhancements:  Development Services $17,815,678; Facilities Management $7,631,000; Capital Investment Delivery $7,439,000; Housing & Human Services $6,901,000; Community Economic Delivery $4,616,000; Microsoft Campus Refresh 4,505,000; Lite Rail $2,613,000; Arts & Community events $1,715,000, totaling $53,000,000.

-- Excerpt from Mayor Birney's 23-24 Preliminary Budget

UPDATED: King County passes budget - $2 million funded to support development of aquatics/recreation regional facility in the Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland area.

As found this on King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci's Blog:

"Throughout our budget deliberations, we kept returning to the most urgent issue of our day – affordable housing and homelessness.  By weighing priorities we were able to identify $5.9 million that will be used to fund a men’s shelter and a navigation center in and around downtown Seattle.  Another $1 million was set aside so the County can partner with cities that want to address homelessness in their jurisdictions.  For example, a city like Kirkland, which is currently moving to build a women’s shelter, could seek support from this fund.

Beyond responding to the immediate crisis I urged my colleagues to also think about the larger problem of housing affordability and how we can prevent people from losing their homes in the first place.  As a result, the Council approved my motion to work with our regional partners, such as cities, non-profits, private business, and faith-based organizations, to develop a long-term plan for how we can ensure all our residents have a safe and affordable place to live throughout King County.

In addition to looking at the big picture needs of the county, I am excited about some of the great projects and services we will be funding in District 6;"

• $2 million to support the development of an aquatics and recreation facility in the Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland area
• $50,000 as a first investment for the I-90 Trail on Mercer Island
• $7.6 million in funding for the Eastside Rail Corridor which will ultimately provide a unique “highway without cars” connecting Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue and Renton
• $50,000 to help complete the capital vision for the Bellevue Youth Theater
• $200,000 for small grants to District 6 programs that will help youth and older adults get and stay active (to be allocated in 2017)
• Restored full funding to domestic violence, sexual assault and civil legal aid programs, including the Eastside Legal Assistance Program"

The City of Redmond wants to hear from you about their plans for city aquatics center, community center, teen center, and senior center. 

Comment here

UPDATED: Senior and Community Center to Open 2023

Community ribbon heart to memorialize the old Senior Center before demolition  

During the May 4th Council Committee meeting, Parks Director Carrie Hite gave an update on the Senior and Community Center.  The new building will open 2023. It will be at minimum LEED Gold Certified and built to last 50-100 years. Estimated cost is $41 million.  Councilmember Jeralee Anderson asked "if you had unlimited funds where would you spend them?"  Ms. Hite responded: "a buildout of the second floor." 

Staff showed maps of the layout of the spaces.  A list of the spaces on the website, with square footage and descriptions, would  be helpful in understanding the building.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/9/2021 (Internet photo)