Redmond updating its parks master plan

The city of Redmond has begun work on updating its parks master plan, and Wednesday night. city planners invited the public to provide input on how to make the park system even better.

Central Oregon is known as a mecca for outdoor recreational activities, but every so often, updates are needed to stay current by keeping up with the growing population.

It’s been nine years since Redmond updated its parks masters plan, and since then, the Bend-Redmond area has become the third-fastest growing metro area in the nation.

Since the parks plan was implemented in 2008, the city has completed several projects, including the installation of a disc golf course and Hope Playground.

One need the city wants to address is the community’s desire for more trails.

“As part of that process, we’re constructing a canal trail that runs almost the length of the city, north to south, starting this summer,” said Parks Division Manager Annie McVay.

In a survey conducted last spring, Redmond residents also expressed interest in a city pool, sports fields, playgrounds and more parking lots.

The updated master plan was put together with help from a consultant at a cost of $75,000.

The project started last October and the city council is expected to review and adopt the plan by November of next year.

If you are interested in providing input, contact the Redmond City Hall at 541-923-7710 and ask for the parks department.

You can view the current parks master plan, adopted in 2008, and learn more at: http://www.ci.redmond.or.us/government/departments/public-works/parks-division