It’s been so hot out lately, even the thermometers are sweating.
Redmond — and the region — have been hit with scorching temperatures this week, including highs of 100 degrees. It is supposed to “cool down” to the the mid-to-upper 80s this weekend.
So I figured this would be the perfect time to provide some hot spots to cool down in Redmond.
Here they are, in no particular order:
• Idylwood Beach Park, 3650 West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast: What better way to beat the heat than to jump in the cool waters of Lake Sammamish? This park is always popular in the summer, especially during the really hot days, so expect crowds and limited parking. In addition, the park does have some large trees, which produce cooler shaded areas. But no matter where you hang out at the park, remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. If you are hungry, the park also has barbecues and picnic tables. This is the perfect hot-weather park.
• Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Avenue Northeast: The center is a great place to cool off and you don’t have to be a senior citizen to go there. The center is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The building is air conditioned and has a comfortable lounge area for relaxing and cooling off.
• Movie Theaters: Watching a movie in a nice air-conditioned theater is an option if you are not a beach person. Redmond has three different theaters: Big Picture Redmond, 7411 166th Ave Northeast, www.thebigpicture.net — “Public Enemies,” starring Johnny Depp opens today at this theater, which is a 21-and-over facility. Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas – Redmond Town Center, 16451 N.E. 74th St., www.goldclasscinemas.com — “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is open to all ages and the recommended movie to see here. Regal Bella Bottega 11, 8890 161st Ave N.E., www.regmovies.com — Among current features is Disney’s “G-Force,” starring a guinea pig named Darwin (Sam Rockwell) and his team of specially trained rodents, fighting for freedom.
• Grass Lawn Park, 7031 148th Avenue Northeast: This is the perfect spot to take the youngsters to cool off. The city installed a new, sprinkler-type water feature in the park last summer and it’s already getting plenty of use by toddlers and kids. With these type of temperatures, the water can’t squirt out fast enough. It’s so hot, even Mom and Dad will get wet.
• K-1 sports, 2207 Northeast Bel-Red Road: You can satisfy your need for speed, while avoiding the heat at this indoor, fully air-conditioned go-kart racing facility near the Redmond-Bellevue border. The go-karts are electric, so there are no gas emissions and you can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. For $20, you can zip around the track 16 times, which will take 8-12 minutes. After that, you can enjoy playing video games, pool, air hockey or foosball. The facility is open Monday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m.; Friday-Satruday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Web site is www.k1speed.com. This center is geared more toward the older kids, but an exciting way to beat the heat in Redmond.
So there you have it, five great places in Redmond you can stay cool and entertained at the same time.
Bill Christianson is the editor of the Redmond Reporter. He can be reached at bchristianson@redmond-reporter.com or at (425) 867-0353, ext. 5050.
