EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY		CONTACT:	Carolyn Hope, 425-556-2313
March 24, 2009			Marta Gronlund, 425-556-2427

Help the City Re-imagine the Parks and Recreation Community

The City of Redmond is preparing to update its Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PRO Plan). This plan must be updated by June 2010 in order for the City to be eligible for Washington state funding.  The Washington Recreation and Conservation Funding Board is the primary source of funds for parks and recreation programs as it distributes federal funds to state and local programs.  The City last updated its PRO Plan in 2004. 
 
As part of this process, the City will hold several community meetings (see dates and times below) asking the public to re-imagine the community with regards to parks and open spaces, trails, art, recreational facilities and cultural and recreational programs.  A survey is also available on the City's website at www.redmond.gov/survey/ beginning March 27.  The community's ideas will help the City staff prioritize projects and programs for this update.
 
"The PRO Plan update will provide an inventory of the parks system and will describe proposed park projects for the next six years and beyond," remarked Carolyn Hope, Senior Park Planner.  "It is critical for community members to tell us what changes and improvements they want to see."
 
The recommendations in the final plan will be based on a demand analysis and public involvement, and must comply with all state and local codes and the City's Comprehensive Plan.  The plan will also prioritize projects for a capital improvement program adopted by City Council.
 
The visioning process includes a series of community meetings beginning in April. A draft plan is anticipated by late fall 2009 and the public will be encouraged to comment on the plan.  Then the final plan will be prepared and submitted to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board before June 1, 2010.
 
For more information, contact Carolyn Hope, Senior Park Planner at 425-556-2313 or cjhope@redmond.gov.
 
Three meetings for the public are currently scheduled
April 15, 2009, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Audubon Elementary Gymnasium
3045 180th Ave NE
 
April 23, 2009, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Redmond Junior High, The Commons
10055 166th Ave NE
 
May 6, 2009, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center Auditorium
16600 NE 80th Street

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