The iconic urban planner Daniel H. Burnham is remembered for his credo, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood … Make big plans …. aim high in hope and work.”

The City of Redmond rolled out some very big plans — and apparently, wowed most attendees — at a July 23 public meeting about its proposed Downtown Central Park that would offer both “breathing room” and historic charm in the heart of the city.

Although five possible downtown park sites have been identified, the city is hoping to situate the park on a two-acre parcel stretching west from Leary Way to 161st Avenue Northeast and between Redmond Way and Cleveland Street.

During a presentation at the Lake Washington School District Resource Center (to be repeated at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10), Mayor John Marchione, city parks director Craig Larsen and Guy Michaelsen, principal and landscape architect from The Berger Partnership, explained why this site is favored and shared conceptual photos and drawings.

“Big plans” for an urban park have been around since 1997, said Larsen, as part of the city’s PRO (Parks, Recreation and Open Space) Plan. At one point, the vicinity of Redmond City Hall — which does encompass an attractive green space — was considered as a location for a true downtown park. But that area is somewhat removed from the downtown core’s new mixed-use developments, as well as the “Old Town Redmond” stretch of Leary Way.

Cities such as Bellevue, Renton, Kent and Lynnwood have all added downtown parks which allow some recreation and places to eat lunch, Larsen noted. But Vancouver, Wash. is perhaps the most intriguing example because the city “completely redeveloped a 100-year-old park with a hugely popular water feature, a concert site, green grocers and more,” he said.

Keeping quality of life high and making “downtown Redmond as livable as any other neighborhood,” are the goals as city planners explore the urban park options, said Marchione.

Michaelsen cited “great civic parks in New York and Chicago … but we want our park to be unique to Redmond, with a concept all its own.”

The site that has emerged as the frontrunner “wasn’t really a surprise, if you want to stand at the heart of Redmond. This is right at the corner, very central and backs right up to the historic buildings downtown,” he remarked.

Concepts and components of the downtown park might include:

OLD TOWN COURT

“The idea is to build on what’s there — the city doesn’t need to take all these buildings over. There is an opportunity for building owners to embrace this, have historic buildings wrap around the park,” said Michaelsen.

He was referring to early Redmond structures such as The Stone House on Cleveland Street; Bill Brown’s Building at the corner of Leary and Cleveland, which now houses The Matador; and the Oddfellows Hall/Edwardian Antiques building on Leary, north of Redmond Way, which is now the home of Oddfellow’s Grill.

This historic district “is not be taken over or managed like a mall,” said Michaelsen.

Marchione said he liked the integration of the Old Town area to keep some downtown buildings lower than the new mixed-use developments. He and Larsen also noted that you won’t see buildings taller than those located on the south side of Cleveland Street, such as The Cleveland Condominiums.

“ZOCALO”

“Zocalo,” a Spanish term for “main square” was described by Larsen as a gathering place with both open space and shade and beautiful lighting for the evening.

Planners see it as a place to play frisbee, sunbathe or jump rope — also flexible enough that you could add chairs or movable furniture for a special event. Terraces to the south, moving toward Cleveland Street might be spots to play bocce ball, ping-pong or chess.

MARKET STREET

Continuing south, Cleveland Street would have a “Market Street” concept, a public realm with a farmers’ market or festival vibe.

Michaelsen urged citizens to think of something similar to Seattle’s Ballard Market, “with a very European feel.”

URBAN GARDENS

To the north, you’d see gardens with seasonal color, perhaps a water feature and public art.

CAFE

Bringing a bit of commerce into the Northwest corner of the Downtown Central Park, this area might include a coffee shop or cafe.

“If planned well, commerce and a park can balance really well,” Michaelsen commented.

SPINE AND TRAVERSE

The walkway along the park’s green space (traverse) would be “the spine.” And “traverse” is sometimes called a promenade or stroll, said Michaelsen.

“It’s a place to walk on a beautiful night like this, enjoy coffee, talk to neighbors,” he suggested.

“This is an initial version …. what else could be great? What do you think you want?”

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Most people at the meeting seemed pleased with the vision for the downtown park. Some questions and concerns revolved around parking — would there be enough to accommodate visitors and downtown employees? — and how the construction of the park might displace some businesses.

Larsen acknowledged that there will be some disruption to existing businesses, regardless of which site is chosen for the downtown park, but said the city would include them in the process.

“We do own the western 40 percent now” (of the proposed park site), he stated. “If we like a different site better, we can divest ourselves of that property.”

However, using that property as part of the downtown park would save the city about $9 million.

Asked about other funding, Marchione and Larsen said private fundraising would account for about $12 to 14 million of the park cost.

Legislature has funded $2 million for infrastructure and the city has a total of $27 million budgeted for acquisition and development.

Assuring citizens that special events at the park would be scaled to draw perhaps 1,500 or 2,000 people, as opposed to 5,000, Larsen and Michaelsen said the events would be community-oriented, “not like Guns N’ Roses.”

Michaelsen concluded, “This whole plan is … a catalyst to not just serve new growth but preserve and reinvigorate the Old Town buildings.”

After the Aug. 10 public meeting, the concepts will go to the Parks Board and then to the City Council in the fall, said Marchione. The city also hopes to set up a parks foundation and will look for state grants.

“First, we have to have an idea,” Marchione added. “Businesses have asked, ‘Is your community behind this?’ We have to demonstrate interest to complete fundraising.”

The city will post updates on its Web site.

Questions and ideas may be directed to Jean Rice, park management analyst at jrice@redmond.gov or (425) 556-2378.