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Parks & Recreation Updates - 2021 and 2022 Budget

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1. How are 2021 Summer Camps being impacted?

The city is actively planning for Summer Camps to resume in 2021. Camp offerings will be in alignment with Washington’s Safe Start Plan with outdoor camps will be prioritized. More information on Summer Camps will be available on February 2, 2021, at www.redmond.gov/SummerCamp.  

2. How are City events being impacted?

Due to staffing and program reductions in the 2021 budget as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following events will not occur in 2021: Daddy Daughter Dance, Derby Days, So Bazaar, Rockin’ on the River Concert Series, and Big Truck Day. We look forward to celebrating with the community in 2022.

So Bazaar 

So Bazaar is canceled this year due to budget reductions approved in the 2021/2022 budget. Financial impacts resulting from reductions in revenues for events, restrictions on gathering and in-person activities, and extended closure of facilities related to the pandemic have resulted in staff layoffs and reduced or eliminated programming from the budget. We would like to thank all of the artists, local organizations, sponsors and community for an amazing virtual So Bazaar in 2020 and for all of the successful So Bazaar events before that. For additional information, please contact Chris Weber at cweber@redmond.gov.

Redmond Derby Days 

Redmond Derby Days is canceled this year due to budget reductions approved in the 2021/2022 budget. Financial impacts resulting from reductions in revenues for events, restrictions on gathering and in-person activities, and extended closure of facilities related to the pandemic have resulted in staff layoffs and reduced or eliminated programming in 2021. We would like to thank all of the business partners, vendors, performers, sponsors, and community for celebrating with us virtually in 2020. We hope to celebrate with the community again in 2022. For additional information regarding events, please contact Bethany Kennedy at bkennedy@redmond.gov.  

Redmond Lights 

Redmond Lights was reimagined in 2020 as an installation-only experience at Downtown Park. The reimagining of the event was related to restrictions on group gatherings under Washington’s Safe Start plan and 2020 budget reductions related to the financial impacts of COVID-19. Stay tuned for information on Redmond Lights 2021. We hope to have a decision by summer 2021. For additional information, please contact Bethany Kennedy at bkennedy@redmond.gov. 

3. How are Picnic Shelter Rentals being impacted?

TBD

4. How will the Idylwood Park Beach be impacted?

The Summer Idylwood Beach Lifeguard Program has been canceled this year due to budget reductions approved in the 2021/2022 budget. Idylwood Park and the beachfront will remain open for public use with no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk.  For additional information regarding aquatics, please contact Katie Fraser at kfraser@redmond.gov.

5. What staffing reductions have been made in the 2021-2022 budget?

The following chart outlines FTE totals and reductions in 2020 and the 2021-2022 budget by department.  

Most departments had a reduction in staff, though Parks and Public Works saw the largest impact.

Department	2019-2020 Budget	2020 Reduction	Proposed Change (2021 Reduction)	2021-2022 Budget
Executive	21.25	(1.00)	2.00	22.25
Finance	33.57			33.57
Fire	166.00		(2.00)	164.00
Human Resources	13.33	(1.00)	0.67	13.00
Parks	74.35	(2.00)	(9.63)	62.72
Planning	78.95	(2.00)	(1.00)	75.95
Police	128.92		(2.00)	126.92
Public Works	127.94	(3.00)	(4.00)	120.94
TIS	37.00		(1.00)	36.00
*Development Agreements	32.11			30.31
Total	713.42	(9.00)	(16.96)	685.66

6. How is Youth Basketball being impacted?

The Youth Basketball League was canceled for the 2020-21 season due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For information about youth sports programming please contact Katie Fraser at kfraser@redmond.gov.

7. How are special event and park use permits being impacted?

The City is accepting applications for Park Use and Photography/Film Permits. Each application is required to be reviewed by an Internal Committee comprised of various City of Redmond staff, and requires a safety plan. Special Event permits are under evaluation until January 31, 2021. These guidelines can change and the issuance of permits can be impacted by the Governor’s guidelines and COVID-19 case counts in King County. All inquires for Park-Use, Film/Photography, and Special Event permits can be submitted to EventPermit@Redmond.gov.

8. What adjustments were made by Council to the Mayor's draft 2021-2022 budget?

On, December 10, 2020, Redmond City Council voted 6-1 to adopt the 2021-2022 biennial budget.  

City Council voted not to fund the following expenses which were originally included in the Mayor’s draft budget. 

1. Capital Investment Program: Senior Center
2. Capital Investment Project: Adaptive Signal Phase 1 (Downtown); Community Treasures; Neighborhood Fund Program
3. Public Safety Levy Consultant  

City Council voted to fund the following expenses which were not included in the Mayor’s original draft budget. 

1. Capital Investment Projects: Sidewalk Repair; Sustainability LED Street Light Retrofit; Contingency Fund  
2. Human Services  
3. Bike and Pedestrian Program  
4. Sustainability Data Collection  
5. City Council Supplemental Staff  
6. Personal Protective Equipment for Wildland Firefighting  

Click here to view details of the Council’s budget adjustments.  

9. How are Facility Rentals being impacted?

Mayor Birney extended the closure of all City facilities and community centers to the public through March 31, 2021, to be in adherence with the Governor’s guidelines and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Facility rentals will carefully be evaluated once community centers are able to reopen. Rental inquiries can be submitted to GuestServices@Redmond.gov and staff will continue to communicate with customers on the status of rentals.  

10. How are Recreation Services being impacted?

Recreation programs and services are continually being evaluated. Some programs have been impacted due to budget and staffing reductions, while others are impacted due to restrictions related to the pandemic. For a complete listing of activities and services please visit www.redmond.gov/Activities or contact Guest Services at 425-556-2300 or guestservices@redmond.gov.

11. How are Adult Sports Leagues being impacted?

We are continually evaluating conditions and restrictions related to the pandemic, and our ability to safely add recreation programs. Adult Sports Leagues are on-hold until we have the ability to offer programming in alignment with Washington’s Safe Start Plan. For more information please contact Michael Locke at mplocke@redmond.gov.

12. How are Equestrian and Farm Activities being impacted?

Due to the pandemic, we are not able to offer a complete lineup of farm programs and events. Staff is focused on animal care, providing a limited equestrian program schedule, and providing farm tours. Events such as Big Truck Day have been canceled. For information please visit, and www.redmond.gov/Activities or contact Guest Services at GuestServices@redmond.gov or 425-556-2300.

For more information about Nature Vision programs please contact Cindy Johnson at cjohnson@redmond.gov.

13. How are Senior Services being impacted?

Due to the pandemic and reductions in the 2021-22 budget, there has been an impact to Senior Programs and Services. We have prioritized the Meals on Wheels program and will continue offering the Curbside Lunch program on Wednesdays only. Staff will continue to support some virtual interest groups and virtual fitness classes but cannot support a complete schedule of activities. The Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) will continue to meet monthly, and staff is working towards implementing a small team of volunteers to support Meals on Wheels deliveries. The Encore will continue to be produced and made available to the community by mail or online. 

For more information on senior services and resources, please visit www.redmond.gov/rsc.

14. How are Teen Services being impacted?

The Old Firehouse Teen Center remains closed due to the pandemic. In addition, due to budget and staffing reductions, we are offering a reduced level of virtual recreation classes. Staff is still connecting with Teens through limited virtual recreation programming. In addition, RYPAC (Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee) continues to meet. Information is available at redmond.gov/OFH.

15. How are Fitness Programs being impacted?

The Flex Fit program has been canceled. At this time a limited schedule of fitness classes will be offered virtually. We anticipate adding in-person fitness classes at our parks this spring. A complete list of classes is available at www.redmond.gov/activities. For more information please contact Katie Fraser at kfraser@redmond.gov.

16. How are Adaptive Recreation programs being impacted?

Adaptive Recreation programs are currently on hold due to restrictions related to the pandemic and reductions in the 2021-22 Budget. Adaptive Sports Leagues are currently on hold until we have the ability to offer programming in alignment with Washington’s Safe Start Plan.

17. How is the Hub from Bridge of Promise being impacted?

The Hub/Day program offered through Bridge of Promise is canceled due to City facilities being closed and safety restrictions related to the COVID-19. For more information please contact Cindy Johnson at cjohnson@redmond.gov.

18. Will there be a 2021 Activity Guide?

There will be no printed activity guides or a summer camp guide in 2021 due to budget reductions. All information is available online at redmond.gov/Activities.

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Parks & Recreation Updates - COVID-19

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1. How are City of Redmond Community Centers operations being impacted?

Updated 1/8/2021
Mayor Birney extended the closure of all City facilities and community centers to the public through March 31, 2021, to be in adherence with the Governor’s guidelines and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Facility rentals will carefully be evaluated once community centers are able to reopen. Rental inquiries can be submitted to GuestServices@Redmond.gov and staff will continue to communicate with customers on the status of rentals.

All City of Redmond community centers and facilities are closed. The City plans to reopen community centers in accordance with the Governor’s Washington Phased Approach. As King County meets the requirements to move into each phase, City of Redmond Parks and Recreation will reopen park amenities, facilities, and services in alignment with the requirements for each phase and in accordance with guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), King County Public Health and the Governor’s office.  

Information on Redmond’s Reopening Plan can be found at www.redmond.gov/PlaySafe.

City of Redmond operates the following Community Centers:

• Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village
• Old Firehouse Teen Center
• Redmond Arts Studio at Grass Lawn
• Anderson Park Cabins
• City Hall Bytes Cafe

2. What parks are operated by City of Redmond?

City of Redmond operates a number of community and neighborhood parks. The City does not operate Marymoor Park or Sammamish River Trail, which are operated by King County.  Some parks operated by the City include:

• Idylwood Park
• Perrigo Park
• Grass Lawn Park
• Downtown Park
• Redmond Central Connector
• Edge Skate Park
• Anderson Park
• Hartman Park
• Farrel-McWhirter Park

Click here to view all City of Redmond Parks and Trails

All City of Redmond parks and trails are open, but some amenities are closed due to COVID-19. City of Redmond recently outlined the Play Safe, Stay Safe Reopening Plan. The reopening of all park amenities, facilities, and activities are in accordance with Washington’s Phased Approach. As King County meets the requirements to move into each phase, City of Redmond Parks and Recreation will reopen park amenities, facilities, and services in alignment with the requirements for each phase and in accordance with guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), King County Public Health, and the Governor’s office.   

For more information, please visit Redmond.gov/PlaySafe

Safety Tips & Reminders
As you plan your visit, remember to practice physical distancing, avoid crowded areas, keep it moving to help prevent crowding, stay home if you are sick and follow the most current CDC guidelines.  With your help, City of Redmond parks and trails can remain open for the enjoyment of all!

3. What trails are operated by City of Redmond?

All City of Redmond parks and trail systems are open for public use. City of Redmond does not operate Marymoor Park or Sammamish River Trail, which is operated by King County. Please note that all restrooms are closed (except Downtown Park and Watershed Park).

View the list of City of Redmond Trails

View the list of City of Redmond Parks

Safety Tips & Reminders
Remember to practice physical distancing, avoid crowded areas, keep it moving to help prevent crowding, stay home if you are sick and follow the most current Center for Disease Control guidelines. With your help, City of Redmond parks and trails can remain open for the enjoyment of all!

4. What safety measures are in place in parks and trails?

Nature and open spaces provide numerous physical and mental benefits. Help keep our parks safe during the COVID-19 pandemic so everyone can enjoy these benefits. All City of Redmond parks and trails have signage installed to remind the community how to play safe, and stay safe. We ask all park users and visitors to follow the posted signage.

Safety Tips & Reminders

• Practice physical distancing - and stay 6 feet apart from others
• Avoid group gathering
• Follow posted guidelines in the parks about safety and closed areas
• Keep it moving to prevent crowding
• Stay home if you are sick
• Follow the most current Center for Disease Control guidelines.

With your help, City of Redmond parks and trails can remain open for the enjoyment of all!

5. Are rentals available currently?

Mayor Birney extended the closure of all City facilities and community centers to the public through March 31, 2021, to be in adherence with the Governor’s guidelines and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Facility rentals will carefully be evaluated once community centers are able to reopen. Rental inquiries can be submitted to GuestServices@Redmond.gov and staff will continue to communicate with customers on the status of rentals.  

6. What services and resources are available for seniors?

Redmond Senior Programs such as Thursday lunches, Foot Care, Health Insurance Advisors, and blood pressure checks are all canceled at this time. 

Local agencies and programs that provide senior services:

• Sound Generations of King County (including Meals on Wheels)
• Pathways Information and Assistance
• HopeLink
• Chicken Soup Brigade
• Redmond United Methodist Church
• Community Healthcare Access Team (C.H.A.T.) Email CHAT here.
• Call 211 for additional resources and information

Additional information for seniors is available on the Senior Resources Page.

7. Who can I contact for assistance?

Guest Services and Recreation staff are working remotely and are available to answer questions Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please contact us by email guestservices@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2300.

8. Is Farrel-McWhirter Park open?

Yes, all of our parks are open from dawn until dusk!  

• We encourage everyone to enjoy the open, grassy spaces and the trails that are located behind the barnyard. 
• Currently, the Barnyard is closed. 

9. Is there a Petting Zoo at Farrel-McWhirter Park? Is it open?

No, we do not have a Petting Zoo, and we do not allow anyone to touch or feed any of the animals.

• We do have ponies, ducks, chickens, goats, bunnies, and a cow that live at the park.
• Even though the barnyard is closed, it is very likely that you will see some of the animals from the open, grassy spaces. If you see the ponies from a fence, we ask that you please do not climb on or linger at the fence, because that adds stress to the ponies.

10. Does it cost anything to go to Farrel-McWhirter Park?

No, all of our parks are free!