Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Bill Gates, The Lusty Lady and other top stories of the month

Bill Gates, The Lusty Lady and other top stories of the month:

"It was another busy month here at TechFlash. In case you missed out, here are the top 10 stories of the month in terms of page views.  Thanks again to everyone for reading."

Read the top stories

By John Cook
Tech Flash
May 1

Monday, May 10, 2010

UPDATED: Bell Elementary parents question LWSD feeder school changes.

The following is breaking news and opinion from Kirkland Weblog.com about LWSD Bell El. feeder school changes:

Updated, 5/11 - "A lot of Bell Elementary parents in Kirkland are f-u-m-i-n-g right now." 

On May 4th, the Lake Washington School District announced changes to the configuration of elementary, junior high and high schools along with a change to the feeder school for AG Bell and Audubon.  The two changes are slated in 2012, as follows:

(1) schools will run K-5, 6-8, 9-12 (instead of current K-6, 7-9, 10-12)  AND

(2)  Bell students will go to Finn Hill Jr. High and Juanita HS (instead of Kirkland Jr. High and Lake WA HS) while Redmond's Audubon students will be coming to Rose Hill Jr. High and LWHS. These changes were initiated as a result of the need to address a boom in student enrollment.

Now to the fuming part....
Bell Elementary parents were notified via a memo in their children's backpack after the decision had already been voted on and passed. I've heard the principal didn't even find out until 4 hrs prior to the parents.
One Bell parent says,
"We were not included in meetings where this was discussed. This is a neighborhood filled with families who have specifically moved into the area to send their children to AG Bell, KJH, and LWHS but we were given no voice in this."
Some are worried about their property values and are left wondering why their kids would have to walk by KJH in order to get bussed to Finn Hill JH. Bell students also already have friends and connections from their sports teams that align into the same feeder schools. Another Bell parent takes a hard stand stating,
"I expect as a tax paying citizen in this district that this decision will be revoked until the community has a chance to repeal with alternative solutions."
Dr. Chip Kimball, LWSD Superintendent has stated,
“If we don’t make any changes, we will need over 100 portable classrooms at the elementary level and about 28 at the secondary level to house the expected enrollment and to provide space for all-day kindergarten in the next five years. Changing feeder patterns reduces the need at the secondary level."
Dr. Kimball expressed great empathy when I asked him about this situation, but said with the way the population is spread and the overcrowding they are faced with, there just aren't any viable alternatives. He knows this is really tough and plans to be holding meetings at the impacted schools this month.
So, here's what you can do:
  • Go ahead and comment/discuss here (http://www.kirklandweblog.com/)  to share ideas and chat about it-
  • Concerned families should attend the LWSD Regular Board Meeting on Monday, 5/17,  5:30pm.  Location is:  Redmond Town Center District offices:  16250 NE 74th St, Redmond.  No Public Comments will be taken at this Meeting.   
  • OR watch the meeting LIVE (or archived the next day) at this link.  (It's not necessary to download Silverlight.  LIVE meetings sometimes begin up to 12 minutes late.  Wait for the sign-in button)
  • Affected families will rally on Thursday 5/20 at 6:30pm in the AG Bell Gymnasium/11212 NE 112th St, Kirkland
  • Send a note to the communications office or to Dr. Kimball care of kreith@lwsd.org
Read the complete story here.

This abridged posting is courtesy of the Kirkland Weblog   Contact Kathryn Reith at LWSD or the Kirkland Weblog editor Jan Rabuchin to confirm meeting times.  B. Yoder

Sunday, May 9, 2010

LW School District's Senior "Culminating Project" is revamped

Senior Lexie Yoder is downloading her "artifacts" to a school computer while teachers read her resume.

It's second semester in high school and time for all good Seniors to present their "Culminating Projects".  Only this year it's totally different.

Lake Washington School District seniors are no longer required to put very long hours into a project that culminates into something "really big" and "really important".  True, many culminating projects were successful and rewarding.  (Read about the 2008 dodge-ball tournament.)  But, time demands were often so large that some students would "fake it" just to so they could get through and graduate.   So, away with the old.

"Graduation Presentations" have replaced Culminating Projects.  Students stand up and speak about how high school has prepared them for the future.  They present 14 school assignments (artifacts) and relate them to their personal attributes.  They describe three jobs and three schools of interest;  and submit a resume and cover letter for a possible part-time job.

Pam and I sat in on our daughter's presentation.  Lexie wanted us to come.  She described her top three growth assignments:   her college essay, a skit in Mr. Anderson's class, and assisting Ms. Leonard's second grade class.   I can't remember the last time I saw my child perform in a classroom setting, and was awestruck by how she had blossomed into a mature, young woman.    We are deeply touched by Lexie's Graduation Presentation and it's gift.  This was truly a culminating event for our entire family!    We were lucky to have a flexible schedule to see our daughter.  Should the school be more flexible for parents on tight schedules?   This is a once in a lifetime moment. 

This note from a friend about his daughter's presentation speaks for itself:
As the presentation went on, I was overcome with what my baby has become. Moments passed through my head of all the adversity...she faced and how amazing this graceful, smart and beautiful child has emerged. What I want to convey here is, not only to brag upon my child, but to let the community of Redmond know that there are many of these wonders within our midst. 
Entry by Bob Yoder
I-Phone photo by Yoder

Friday, May 7, 2010

Protecting girls from bullying | Patti Skelton-McGougan

Protecting girls from bullying | Patti Skelton-McGougan

Protecting girls from bullying

The recent tragic suicide of a Massachusetts teen as the result of bullying moves me to address a subject I’ve touched on before. Relational aggression is the term for the form of bullying favored by pre-adolescent and adolescent girl.

It’s nothing new and is very common in our schools.  Read entire Column.

By Patti Skelton-McGougan
Belleuve Reporter Columnist
CEO, Youth Eastside Services (YES)

Why are so many yellow signs littering our roadways?

Why do we see so many of these faded yellow signs all around town?   This one was up over two years before the city finally removed it.  
Last year, the city spent months on end writing a new sign ordinance to mitigate commercial sign pollution, but they do nothing about these old land use signs.  Why?  Do some of these signs bother you? 
They serve a useful purpose to notify residents of a new project underway.  But, seldom are they taken down once the project is over.  We have to live with this "litter". 
The city is so good at keeping our streets, parks and boulevards clean.  So, what's gone wrong here?  Part of the problem is the burden of  removing land use signs is left to the developers.   By city code they are supposed to remove the signs within two weeks after the project's "Final Decision".  But, the developer isn't required to remove the signs within a reasonable time.  We are left with the litter.
Personally, I don't mind the yellow and large white signs being up a little longer so we all can  know "something is going on."   But, to leave them up for months on end is "too much information".  The sign in this photo was staked for years on RED-WOOD Road and NE 90th St. at the Bella Bottega entrance.  It was finally removed after a citizen called Steve Fischer, in Planning and Community Development.  Does this sign pollution bother you?
Opinion By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder 

Thursday, May 6, 2010

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

Swedish ER & ambulatory care center breaks ground in Redmond

News & Events Swedish Medical Center / Seattle:

"April 30, 2010 – After 18 months of planning, Swedish recently broke ground on a new freestanding emergency department and ambulatory care center in Redmond.

Excavation began April 12, and the facility is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2010. The site is located at 18100 Union Hill Road. A community groundbreaking ceremony will be held later this spring.

“The new facility will provide a vital service to a fast-growing area,” said Kevin Brown, Swedish senior vice president and chief administrative officer. “People who live and work in the Greater Redmond area can travel 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes in heavy traffic, for medical care in an emergency.”

The Redmond ER will be patterned after a highly successful model Swedish developed in Issaquah."  Read More

Posted by Yoder
Source:  Swedish Website

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Evergreen Hospital levy increased 1.7% in 2009

Number of registered voters in District: 155,154. (5/7/2019)

SOURCE: Resolution No. 827-09, 11/13/2009

LEVYS: 2010 Regular PropertyTax Levy increased 1.7% over the 2009 Regular Property Tax Levy.

The 2010 Property Tax increased $280,056-- from $14,633,946 in 2009 to $14,914,002 in 2010.

The 2010 Excess Property Tax Levy approved by voters on May 18, 2004 is $9,239,943.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

UPDATED: Lake Washington School District makes changes to three feeder schools to handle growth.

Lake Washington School District Makes Changes to Handle Growing Student Population - Lake Washington School District:

Dr. Kimball decides to change the District school configuration and shift three elementary school feeder patterns.
Lake Washington School District is growing, by the equivalent of one elementary school a year for the next five years. The district has looked at alternatives to house this boom in student population and made two decisions to use its current school building space more efficiently, effective 2012-13.  The School Board last night approved  Dr. Kimball's decision to:  1)  change its school grade configuration and 2) shift  three elementary school feeder patterns.  Says Kimball: 
“If we don’t make any changes, we will need over 100 portable classrooms at the elementary level and about 28 at the secondary level to house the expected enrolment and to provide space for all-day kindergarten in the next five years,” noted Dr. Kimball. “Changing feeder patterns reduces the need at the secondary level. I know it will be a difficult change for families who have expectations and connections to specific schools but we have to find the most efficient ways to use our current space and this is one of them. Changing the grade configuration will make another large difference.”
Three changes in feeder patterns are planned, to coincide with the 2012-13 grade configuration change:
Bell Elementary will feed into Finn Hill Junior High and Juanita High School, instead of Kirkland Junior High and Lake Washington High School.
Audubon Elementary will feed into Rose Hill Junior High and Lake Washington High School instead of Redmond Junior High and Redmond High School.
These changes effectively shift population westward, from Redmond High through Lake Washington High to Juanita High School.

In addition, Einstein Elementary students will shift from Evergreen Junior High to Redmond Junior High but will still go on to Redmond High School."

The 2012 - 2013 grade reconfiguration will be:  a change to K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle school and 9-12 high school.   The reconfiguration will shift one grade out of the elementary schools where space is already tight and move the population to the secondary schools, where more space is available.   In Dr. Kimball said at the May 3 School Board meeting he doesn't know how to accommodate the space needs of the high schools and listed three options - capital levys and capital bond and a portable re-design.

Read the entire LWSD website news release.  

A link to this posting was published in the May 5 Seattle Times online edition under "Redmond Neighborhood News" (LOCAL). 

Posted By Bob Yoder
Source:  LWSD website on May 4
including the May 3, 2010 School Regular School Board Meeting video.
LWSD Slide Show

UPDATED: Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza groundbreaking

Evergreen Public Hospital Commissioners at the April 28th Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza groundbreaking

UPDATED, 5/8:  Evergreen Hospital's Media Coordinator, Sherry Grindeland, announced in an April 29th press release:  "Evergreen Hospital Medical Center Breaks Ground for Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza at Bella Bottega."  Yes, that's right!  It's a Plaza.  The location is at 8960 - 161 Avenue Northeast.  The Plaza will be four stories tall and open  for business in about a year.
 
"Evergreen Medical Plaza" will house a 16-room Emergency Department (ED) staffed by 75 ER physicians, trauma-trained nurses, social workers and support staff.  It will be open 24/7, with ambulance service.

Two Redmond-based Evergreen Primary Care practices will be merged and integrated into the Plaza. More than 50 employees will staff the primary care center. Thirty-six primary care exam rooms will house the primary care department.  Total Plaza staff is more than 125.

At the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday morning, April 28, a Commissioner stated the Plaza is "like a mini-hospital".   John Midtling, Medical Director for the Plaza Primary Care called it "a state of the art ambulatory care facility."  There will be no in-patient beds.  Comprehensive laboratory services, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray will be available.  The plaza medical director was especially pleased to provide the District community better access to  "Specialty Care" services. 

Parking:  Approximately 35 parking spaces within the building are reserved for patients. In earlier April email, Ms. Grindeland wrote, "the owners and managers of the shopping center have designated parking areas for employees which include an area behind QFC and a row of stalls between the movie theater and the mall stores."  But, during the April 28 groundbreaking, two Evergreen executives pointed to the fenced staging area between he Plaza and Coho restaurant as a likely parking location.  
Evergreen Healthcare originally announced availability of underground parking for patients. But, this week, staff confirmed patient parking will not be underground. Rather, patients will park at ground level in the first story.  Emergency vehicles will access the Plaza from the patient parking level.

According to two City of Redmond planners, the project file, and Mayor Marchione, the medical facility was approved by the Design Review Board and Technical Committee originally for three stories but was later redesigned and approved (February) for four stories above grade.  The top two stories (30 feet) of brick and signage will be visible from the adjacent roads (Red-Wood & NE 90th Street).  This is one of three gateways to downtown Redmond.
 
Comments are welcome.  Please send your Letters for publishing to redmondblog@gmail.com  

Redmond Councilmembers John Stilin, Pat Vache', and Richard Cole attended the groundbreaking ceremony.   The Mayor was not present.

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Monday, May 3, 2010

Northwest Asian Weekly | Actor and martial artist opens kung fu club in Redmond | 

"Robin Leong, who stands in front of young students at his new Ch’i Life Studio, has always dreamed of starting a kung fu school for kids. He realized his dream this year, with his first studio in the U.S.  Read More

By Vivian Nguyen
"Northwest Asian Weekly"
Photo by George Liu/NWAW

Address:
Ch'i Life Studio  (in Overlake, new building, near Home Depot across from the Silver Cloud)
2222 152nd Avenue Northeast
Redmond, WA 98052-5506
(425) 746-3838

Hours of operation:  M-F, 11:30 - 7 pm / Saturday 12-4 / Sunday 1-4

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Steelhead coalition banquet in Redmond | Outdoors - The News Tribune

Steelhead coalition banquet in Redmond - The News Tribune:

Published: 05/02/10, 12:05 am

The Wild Steelhead Coalition is holding its conservation award and fundraiser banquet on May 15.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Redmond Marriott Town Center, 7401 164th Ave. N.E., Redmond.

The night includes an auction. Among the items up for bid will be guided fishing trips, fishing equipment and artwork.  The cost is $65. The deadline to register for the event is Friday, May 7.

You can register online at www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/fundraiser

Compiled by Jeffrey P. Mayor, staff writer
The News Tribune

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Redmond Lacrosse Club is strong despite losing 12 players to the Kangs.

This 17 second clip is a ground ball skirmish near the Gig Harbor goal just before half-time.  The Redmond Boys Lacrosse Club is 5 -5 regular season is almost over with one home game remaining on Tuesday, 5/4, 7:30 at Redmond High against Liberty.  (Redmond beat Liberty earlier in the season 13-0.)   Their last season game is away vs. South Kitsap on 5/8. (Redmond lost to So. Kitsap several weeks ago, 13-0.)  The real fun begins after the season with tournament play. 
Redmond Lacrosse were co-champs of Division II last year.  But, they lost 13 Seniors this year.  In addition, 12 players were lost to Jim Anderson's newly formed Lake Washington High team....of note, the Bernstein brothers.  The Kangs are burning hot with an 11-0 record.  
No question the split hurt Redmond Lacrosse, but the 'Stangs have a stable of six freshman and ten sophomores, some with 3-6 years playing experience  Only four seniors are on the roster:  Defenseman Brad Bomberry, Brain Davies, Joesph Mernaugh, and "D" Clement Signoretty.

Coach "JC" spoke highly of his players:
"Our "D" is lead by senior co-captains Clement Signoretty (honorable mention last year) and Brad Bomberry. Both are long poles. Junior, and also co-captain, Niko Shewey stands tall between the pipes. He should receive all- conference recognition this year. So, yes, our defense is strong."  
Redmond Lacrosse runs developmental teams ranging from 3rd to 8th grade.   Coach Bill Hanaford coached the 7/8 team for several years.  His son, Brett Hanaford #37 used his quick feet and stick skills to get open for the shot.  Brett is a freshman.  Casey Downey #9 was working out front with deft shots and passing.

Casey's dad, Mr. Downing says  the after game BBQ that we put on for the traveling teams.is always a big hit with them -- and it’s great seeing young men locked in battle and then minutes after eating together celebrating the game.

The Redmond Lacrosse Club helped the city this winter during "Redmond Lights Festival". They volunteered to set-up and take down the light displays.   Don't forget the game this Tuesday night, 7:15 at RHS!.

Saturday's Detailed Prep Lacrosse Results - Seattle Times Sports Blog:
Redmond 13, Gig Harbor 1 (Joseph Mernaugh, R, 4 goals, 4 assists; Jacob Kappes, R, 3 goals, 8 ground balls; Nico Shewey, R, 5 saves; Cody Olson, GH, 1 goal, 3 ground balls; Ricky Chenoweth, GH, 6 ground balls; Arron Wolfe, GH, 12 saves).

By Bob Yoder
Video Clip By Yoder

Legacy for Learning Luncheon raises $156,000 for schools

Dr. Chip Kimball, speaking at the Legacy for Learning Luncheon on the topic of “Future Ready in an Uncertain Future.”
The Legacy for Learning fundraiser just made a huge difference for our students and our schools.  The Lake Washington Foundation raised $156,000 at the luncheon fundraiser held April 24 at Juanita High School.  This is the most raised at a luncheon in the foundation's 5 year history. With help from the commuity and corporate sponsors, this event will fund critical programs for the Lake Washington Schools Foundation.

Arny Leslie, 9th Grade Teacher at Redmond Junior High, and his students explain how high tech lab equipment helps students learn better.  The "probware" demoed in this video cost $47,380,  made possible by Lake Washington Foundation donors.  My daughter was fortunate to take a class from Mr. Leslie.

By Bob Yoder
Photo and video from Lake Washignton Foundation Facebook Fan Page.

Click "Lake Washington School Foundation" Facebook for Dr. Kimball's keynote address and other video presentations by students and faculty.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Redmond Historical Society features developer Kemper Freeman on May 8


We are pleased to welcome developer and long time Eastside resident Kemper Freeman, Jr. Please join us on Saturday May 8, 2010, as he shares stories of growing up in what is now Marymoor Park, where he and his sister raised cattle. He is now one the eastsides' most successful developers transforming his families' strawberry farm into Bellevue Square. We will be meeting from 10:30 to noon at the auditorium of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St located at the corner of NE 80th and 166th NE in downtown Redmond.  PUBLIC INVITED.

Come See Patti Simpson Ward at the Saturday Market

Come to the Saturday Market opening on Saturday, May 1 and see our Board member and local artist, Patti Simpson Ward, and her poster, which is this years' adverstising poster for the market.

Come See our Display at the new Liquor Store

Our stated purpose as a society includes sharing and celebrating Redmonds's heritage, so we jumped at the chance to do so by showcasing our collection in the windows of the new state liquor store going into Bill Brown's Garage (previously Underhill's Furniture). Each of the five windows highlights a different theme: the Old Trading Company, mid 20th century homes, logging, Bill Brown's Legacy and a huge aerial shot of the city from the 1960's.

Please Click Here to Read our Newsletter [PDF]

Submitted by Redmond Historical Society

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Redmond girls golf streak marches on | Seattle Times Newspaper

"It took a tiebreaker, but the Redmond girls golf team pushed its unbeaten streak in KingCo to 74 on Tuesday after edging Eastlake.
Playing at Sahalee, a course coach Jake Crowley joked his players had only competed on virtually -- playing the Tiger Woods video game -- the Mustangs finished their round tied with Eastlake at 235." Read More
By Mason Kelly
Seattle Times High School Sports Blog
Photo By Dean Rutz, Seattle Times

Jeff Bezos, Michael Dell and Drew Carey back health care startup

Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Dell Computer founder Michael Dell and comedian Drew Carey are among the new investors in Qliance Medical Management, a Seattle startup that's trying to shake up the health care industry by delivering high-quality and affordable primary care to patients by eliminating insurance companies from the process.  Read More

Jeff Cook
Tech Flash
4/27/2010

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A head-on collision on East Lake Sammamish sends woman to Harborview.

Redmond Police reports:  We had a head on collision yesterday about 3:00 p.m. in the 6400 block of East Lake Sammamish that closed the road for about 90 minutes.

A Land Rover driving northbound swerved into the southbound lane hitting a truck. The driver of the Land Rover, a 40 year old Sammamish female, was rushed to Harborview with injuries to her head. She was in critical condition last night and in intensive care today. The driver of the truck and her daughter did not sustain major injuries. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, however, speed does not appear to be a factor.

The important message in this one is that the driver rushed to the hospital was not wearing her seatbelt, which may have prevented serious injuries."
 
By Jim Bove
Redmond Police

Redmond Council confirms Ron Gibson for City Police Chief

At its April 27 meeting, the Redmond City Council confirmed Mayor John Marchione's choice for City Police Chief, Ron Gibson, currently the Deputy Chief of Colorado Springs, CO (population 418,076).

"Throughout the interview process, Ron displayed the characteristics and traits required of a director on my management team," stated Mayor Marchione. "His leadership and management skills, along with excellent interpersonal skills, will make him a valuable addition to the City's Police Department and the community."

Councilmember Dave Carson said,  "The thing I took away from our first meeting was you are just personable and I think people really want to see that.... We were just really impressed with your demeanor your skills and background....and your personality."

Councilmember Hank Margeson said, "This police force you are about to take over is one of the elite, in my mind, not only in the state but in the nation.  I couldn't think of a better candidate to help lead those many, many leaders that we have on the streets making critical decisions every day...."

Councilmember John Stilin said:  "I like to make things pretty personal for me, and I would want to work for you.  When I heard you talk about how you would grow people -- it's something that I heard from a former boss that I had.  He called it "Sandbox Theory":  you give people a place to play, you tell them to kinda go and do the best they can do and you come up with solutions and you let them run."

Councilmember Pat Vache' appreciated Ron's "inclusiveness, openness, and getting community involved -- I think that matches well with the department we have now... and  learning how to get continuously better."

Councilmember Hank Myers is Chair of the Public Safety Committee and will interact with Chief Gibson extensively over the next 20 months. Mr. Myers commented about Gibson's "history of interaction with the community, human service agencies,  non profits,  civic agencies community agency to help  broaden the appeal and the cooperation between police department and community."

After the Council confirmation, Richard Cole, City Council President remarked, "The process to hire a new Police Chief took just over one year and has been well worth the time."

Mr. Gibson holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Colorado State University, a Masters of Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Center for Creative Leadership.   Mr. Gibson will relocate to Redmond and begin his position as Redmond's Police Chief in June.

By Bob Yoder
Source:   Council Meeting tapes & city press release

Tent City 4 | Kirkland | moves into location on the Kirkland-Redmond border.

Tent City 4 moved to its new location Friday, April 23 at Lake Washington United Methodist Church on a busy street (132nd Ave. N.E. on the Kirkland-Redmond border). Some neighbors have voiced concern for Tent City 4 residents being in such an exposed location.  Read More.

By Matt Phelps
Kirkland Reporter
4/27/2010

Tent City 4 | Kirkland | Focus Northwest - Photos of move-in to TC-4 on April 23 - 26
By Chad Coleman, 4/27/2010
Photo Journalist for Focus Northwest

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Sammamish River Trail closes May 3-14 near Marymoor Park for emergency repairs

April 27: Sammamish River Trail closes May 3-14 near Marymoor Park for emergency repairs:

"Sammamish River Trail closes May 3-14 near Marymoor Park for emergency repairs. A portion of Sammamish River Trail just north of Marymoor Park needs repairs, and King County is closing that stretch of the trail May 3-14 to ensure continued trail user safety.

The trail, which runs along the river from Marymoor Park to Bothell, will be closed to all access between Leary Way and Northeast Marymoor Way near Redmond at the Marymoor Park west entry, as crews rebuild the 200-foot-section of the trail, including repaving.

There is no viable detour route, so trail users who commonly use Marymoor Park for parking will need to use alternative access. Trail users can access the Sammamish River Trail north of Leary Way Northeast via Redmond’s Bear Creek Trail, which runs alongside Redmond Town Center.

The Sammamish River Trail can also be accessed at other points along the Sammamish River in the Redmond and Woodinville area, including Sixty Acres Park at Northeast 116th Street near Woodinville Redmond Road Northeast.

There will be no direct trail access from the East Lake Sammamish Trail via the Marymoor Connector Trail through Marymoor Park."ce

Source: http://www.kingcounty.gov/