Redmond Senior & Community Center (2024)

Redmond City Council adoptedResolution No. 1516, on April 26, 2019, that established policies and procedures for the naming of public parks and recreation related facilities. It is the policy of the City of Redmond to choose names for public parks and park and recreation facilities based upon the site’s relationship to the following criteria:

1. Neighborhood, geographic or common usage identification;
2. A natural or geological feature;
3. An historical figure, place, event, or other instance of historical or cultural significance;
4. An individual (living or deceased) who has made a significant land and/or monetary contribution to the park system or who has had the contribution made “in memoriam”; and when the name has been stipulated as a condition of the donation;
5. An individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City of Redmond and who has been deceased for a period of at least two years.

The City Council designates the name of public parks and park or recreation facilities per Resolution No. 1516. The City Council will make its selection after receiving a recommendation from the Redmond Parks and Trails Commission, based upon public input from individuals and organizations.

Submissions were collected from key stakeholder groups such as the RSCC Stakeholders’ Group, Senior Advisory Committee, Parks & Trails Commissions, Parks & Recreation staff, and the Arts & Culture Commission. The submission list was than narrowed to 3 names by parks and recreation staff. Public feedback was collected at the groundbreaking ceremony, promoted on the Parks & Recreation Facebook page, Parks & Recreation – Senior page, City Facebook page, Parks eNewsletter, and the city eNewsletter directing people to a Let’s Connect questionnaire hosted on www.redmond.gov.

At their Aug. 16 business meeting, the members of the Redmond City Council voted four to one in support of naming the City's new community center the Redmond Senior & Community Center. The name recognizes the new facility as a space for all generations to enjoy, gather, and recreate. Throughout the robust naming process, community members shared that they appreciated the name's descriptiveness and that it clearly identifies the building as a place where seniors can feel comfortable and welcome.

For more information, please read the press release issued on Aug. 22, 2022

A significant tree is defined as (RZC 21.78) any healthy tree six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), or any tree four inches DBH, after considering its age, height, value, or function, the tree or stand is determined to be significant. A landmark tree is defined as (RZC 21.78) any healthy tree over 30 inches in diameter.

Redmond Zoning Code (RZC 21.72) requires a minimum of 35 percent of all on-site significant trees to be retained. 31 trees will be removed, 41 trees will be impacted, and 72 trees (or 49%) will be retained (including tree 161), which exceeds the 35% minimum requirement. Note that 41 trees are impacted due to work in their vicinity, but a certified arborist has determined these 41 trees are expected to survive.

199 new trees will be planted through both on-site and off-site tree replacements to mitigate the removal of trees, and satisfy the requirements outlined in RZC 21.72. Replacement species will be both evergreen and deciduous with a variety of maples, cedars, oak, dogwood, locust, and pine.

All construction activities will be required to meet tree protection standards covered in RZC 21.72 through an established Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) for all trees remaining on site. Barriers will be placed five feet out from the dripline of each tree prior to any land disturbance. Any entry or work within the TPZ of retained or impacted trees will need to occur under the direct supervision of a certified arborist. If roots are found during excavation, the certified arborist will help direct crews to make a “clean-cut” on roots to maintain tree health.

Significant trees that are either removed or impacted by construction are considered a removed tree per the definition from RZC 21.78,. Trees within the shoreline zone are replaced at a ratio dictated by their size per RZC 21.68. Trees outside the shoreline are replaced at 1:1 ratio. Due to one landmark tree being impacted (not removed), tree replacements for this impact were calculated at a 3:1 ratio. Minimum sizes for replacement trees shall be two-and-one-half-inch caliper for deciduous trees, or six feet in height for evergreen trees.

The proposed planting plan incorporates native plants at a greater extent than currently exists on site. This represents an improvement in habitat value and no plants currently identified as invasive or noxious are proposed for replanting. Many of the native species selected will provide forage and habitat for wildlife. In addition, nonnative trees and shrubs provide some habitat due to increased canopy and cover upon existing conditions. Nonnative flowering perennials will also provide pollinator habitat.

The Municipal Campus pickleball courts are adjacent to an active construction zone for the new Senior & Community Center. In the interest and safety of all, the Municipal Campus pickleball courts closed on Monday, Aug 8 and will remain closed until Spring 2023, when it is safe to reopen. To find alternative pickleball courts in Redmond, please visit www.redmond.gov/pickleball