Mayor John Marchione invites citizens to two open houses about Redmond’s proposed Downtown Central Park. The open houses are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23 and 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 at the Lake Washington School District Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th St. The information at both events will be the same; the city is hosting two sessions to better accommodate folks’ summer schedules.
Describing his vision for the downtown park, Marchione said, “Each community reflects their unique character through their downtown park. That is why a public process is essential to determine and focus upon what key elements are important. This will be a new type of park for Redmond. I see a park that will have paved plaza areas, water features, flexible/movable seating, a place for concerts and performances and of course, grass, flowers and ornamental shrubs.
A downtown park is a critical element to a high quality of life for downtown residents and the whole of Redmond residents. A downtown park is a place the city can come together for community celebrations, performances and other special events.”
City planners have identified five possible sites for the downtown park. At the open houses, graphics and details will be available for citizens to view and discuss.
Marchione noted, “The park needs to be close to the center of our downtown, near where people live in our new housing and mixed-use developments. The park can help pull together the historic center of Redmond, Redmond Town Center and the rest of downtown, north of Redmond Way. Finally, I would like the new park to encourage people to spend time in downtown to shop, eat and socialize.”
Also, the mayor stated, “I envision a high quality park to attract residents, employees and visitors. It should incorporate great civic art and landscaping in a way that draws people in and makes it a lively and fun place to spend time. Hopefully, people will want to bring lunch or dinner, meet friends or just enjoy a beautiful place in the middle of downtown. I hope it will be the first place you want to show your relatives when they come to visit.”
If you’re unable to attend the open houses but have questions or comments about the downtown park, contact Jean Rice, park management analyst at jrice@redmond.gov or (425) 556-2378.
