The barnyard at Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park will reopen Friday at noon after a three-week closure for repair work and maintenance.

The barnyard was closed for pest control, maintenance and repair after experiencing a spike in its rodent population. Park and recreation workers removed and exterminated the rats and repaired damages they caused to the barnyard.

“We used this opportunity to make some much needed improvements in the barnyard,” said Greg Byszeski, deputy director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Redmond. “Projects include barn and stall renovations, drainage repair and other barnyard improvements.”

Farm animals will be back in their newly renovated homes in time for the Memorial Day Weekend.

“We have two pregnant goats due any day, so the timing couldn’t be any better for the move,” said Pam McMahon, Farm Coordinator.

During the barnyard closure, the farm animals were relocated to other paddock areas within the park so residents were still able to view the animals. Activities scheduled for the barn were also moved to other areas of the park.

Barnyard viewing hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, year round. For more information, call (425) 556-2300.