The state capital budget proposal announced by leaders in the state Senate Wednesday would contribute $2 million toward the Redmond Central Square city park project.

The $27 million project would provide a two-acre, high-quality park for downtown Redmond. The City of Redmond already has committed $9 million to the project. The $2 million tucked in the Senate’s proposed capital budget, essentially the state’s construction budget, would pay for needed infrastructure to support the project.

In a phone interview Friday, Redmond Mayor John Marchione said the proposed park is the same one already discussed in last year’s public meetings regarding the downtown neighborhood plan. The exact location of the park has not been determined because “we’re trying to get land options on the property secured, then have a conversation with the City Council,” Marchione explained.

Also, the state funding for this park project “is only approved by the Senate, it still has to go to the House and Governor,” he added.

Asked what features the park might include, Marchione stated, “This will be our first urban park. It would provide green space and trees and will be used heavily, so separation of space has to (allow for) a lot of people in a small amount of space and still have it feel like a park. We will have many more conversations with the Parks Commission, the public, the downtown neighborhood and the council, before we proceed. Hopefully, we will have more information before it goes before the governor.”

Marchione noted that Sen. Rodney Tom, a Democrat from the 48th Legislative District, has been instrumental in getting this money and that Sen. Eric Oemig, a Democrat from the 45th District has also been very supportive.

In a press release, Tom remarked, “I’m thrilled we got this money in the Senate capital budget proposal to make sure this park becomes a reality. Downtown parks provide a tremendous community asset. They not only promote community gatherings but also serve as an important focal point to centralize transit oriented housing so people aren’t so dependent on their cars and still have access to all services one would expect. That way they get the best of both worlds.”

As the new downtown Redmond takes shape, the City of Redmond has provided an easy way for residents and employees to keep up with all the construction projects. Visit the City of Redmond Web site, www.redmond.gov and click on the “Creating Choice CONNECTING Community” icon.