If you frequent Idylwood Park, you must be aware of the eagle families fishing off the shore, occasional owl hooting at night, the flickers pecking and the rare pileated woodpecker perched in our magnificent old growth forest.

The neighboring condo complex has given permission to chop down an 80-year-old cedar to put in a patio. This lovely cedar is a member of a cluster of trees left by the original developer as an asset to both parties. When does the greater Redmond community object? …when our wildlife is gone? … when you no longer feel the majesty of mindful, coexistence with valued birds that find these tree tops safe from us?

Fairweather Condominiums has bordered Idylwood Park since the late 1970s. It was designed to flow north from our park as if one supports the friendship of the other. The original significant trees were preserved by the developers, and our community who frequent the park benefit from this stewardship each time they share the lakefront.

A wildlife sanctuary is uniquely Pacific Northwest in nature and makes Idylwood Park and Fairweather a valuable asset to preserve.

If you don’t speak up to our mayor or the Parks and Planning Committee about your values, little by little, your park will become less desirable for eagles, owls, flickers and rare pileated woodpeckers that are established now; no one knows the tipping point. It could be this beautiful, healthy cedar. Please write, call or email our Redmond city employees and weigh in about your values: mayor@redmond.gov or the Planning Department at (425) 556-2440.

Carol Rich

Redmond Fairweather Condominium owner