On May 19, the City of Redmond received a National Trails and the Arts Award for the Redmond Central Connector (RCC) at the 22nd International Trails Symposium in Portland, Ore.

This award recognizes outstanding public art projects, interpretive signs or other creative structures associated with trail-related improvements. Redmond City Council was presented the award at their regular meeting on Tuesday.

To date, one mile of the four-mile RCC is constructed. It was designed by a team of landscape architects, engineers and artists to create an urban design that reignited downtown as a destination. The team was led by Guy Michaelsen and Todd Bronk of the Berger Partnership and supported by the engineering firm KPG and Seattle-artist John Fleming. The trail design incorporates art and there are three commissioned pieces of art by Fleming including Redmond’s “Erratic,” “Signals” and “Sky Painting.”

“Redmond is actively shaping investment and policy to ensure that the community is inspired and connected by arts and culture,” said Redmond Mayor John Marchione. “In turn, arts and culture are becoming a catalyst for the city to grow and welcome residents and visitors alike. Public places and city programs and events actively infuse art and culture to build community and stimulate creativity. The technology industry that drives Redmond’s economy provides a culturally diverse workforce that values and is attracted to a strong art presence.”

The city is activating the connector for performances and cultural events including So Bazaar in August, Redmond Lights in December, Bike Bash in May, running races and more. These events bring thousands of people downtown, encouraging people to patronize local restaurants and retailers and influencing their decision about living in Redmond. Beyond events, the RCC is part of the regional King County trail system, connecting to more than 60 miles of trails including the Sammamish River Trail, East Lake Sammamish Trail and the SR 520 Bike Way.

For more information about the project, visit www.redmond.gov/rcc. For questions, contact Carolyn Hope, park planning and cultural arts manager at (425) 556-2313 or cjhope@redmond.gov.