The downside of building ‘up’ | Letter

Change, it's inevitable and I've never lived anywhere that has had so much razing and rising "up" for future benefit and profit in such a short period of time. Everyone is impacted, inconvenienced and even saddened by many of the changes happening on the Eastside. Maybe you've lost your favorite movie theater, albeit it was small, your favorite fish market, bakery, workout spot, view, restaurant, book store… it's not just Redmond, it's Kirkland and of course, Bellevue.

Change, it’s inevitable and I’ve never lived anywhere that has had so much razing and rising “up” for future benefit and profit in such a short period of time. Everyone is impacted, inconvenienced and even saddened by many of the changes happening on the Eastside. Maybe you’ve lost your favorite movie theater, albeit it was small, your favorite fish market, bakery, workout spot, view, restaurant, book store… it’s not just Redmond, it’s Kirkland and of course, Bellevue.

Among all the urbanization and growth, there are key elements we need to try desperately to retain, for our social, mental and physical health. Next month, the last Curves for Women workout facility on the Eastside will close, to make way for more new growth in Redmond. The Redmond Curves opened in 2002 followed by Houghton, Bellevue, Juanita and Issaquah locations.

This friendly workout space is the “go to” location for a wonderful group of women members ages 17 to 87 who have migrated to this remaining pearl of a workout venue. Some travel as far as Duvall and Snohomish to exercise among those who are now friends, many enjoying coffee and outside activities together after working out. There are more than 300 active memberships and more than 100 who work out two or more times a week. It’s not just a place to move and stretch, for some it’s their social activity for the day or week.

Sadly, this Curves is now for sale. Hope remains with a group of members looking for a new location and passionate support to keep this very special place alive. For more information about the Redmond Curves, please contact Kristin at kkbmanager@comcast.net.

Maureen Baskin

Curves member