Redmond receives Walkable Community award
Published 2:57 pm Friday, April 25, 2014
The City of Redmond has been recognized for its actions in supporting smart city design.
On April 3, at the Feet First Walkable Washington Symposium, the Redmond Central Connector (RCC) received Feet First’s highest honor for an exceptional project directly contributing to the creation of a healthy, livable and walkable community in Washington.
The concept of converting the former rail corridor into a regional trail was conceived 17 years ago through a public engagement process. Over the years, Redmond worked with a group of government, community and business leaders to complete the real estate transaction and plans for developing the RCC.
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of the team that fulfilled the dream of creating walkable connections in downtown,” said Carolyn Hope, park planning and cultural services manager for the City of Redmond. “The Connector is already transforming downtown.”
The RCC enhances the pedestrian experience in downtown by integrating art, lighting and landscaping within urban plazas along the trail that provide opportunities for community gathering and events. The project is improving the pedestrian travel through the heart of downtown and connecting Old Town to Redmond Town Center. The first mile of the RCC also knits together more than 60 miles of regional trails including the East Lake Sammamish and Sammamish River Trails. As a result, more people are walking and bicycling in downtown.
This project is a core component of Redmond’s strategy to accommodate growth by integrating transportation, recreation and land use.
“These investments will enrich the face of downtown Redmond for future generations by creating a destination where people come to gather, shop, and experience the City’s diverse culture,” said Redmond Mayor John Marchione.
To learn more about the RCC project visit www.redmond.gov/downtown or contact Hope at cjhope@redmond.gov or (425) 556-2313.
