At a recent downtown Bellevue resident forum hosted by the City of Bellevue upcoming plans for the Bellevue Downtown park were outlined.
Complete the Circle
From a birds eye view the Bellevue Downtown Park currently appears to be three fourths of a circle, with the last fourth taken up by a parking lot. The future plans for the park allow for the continuation of a complete circular promenade and canal. Additionally there would be an grand entry feature at NE 1st/2nd and 102nd Ave.
The existing parking lot on 100th Ave also has plans to be expanded.
Construction is anticipated to begin July 5th, 2015, and continue through Spring 2016. The project is being funded by the 2008 Park & Natural Areas Levy.
Rotary Club of Bellevue Inspiration Playground at Bellevue Downtown Park
The Rotary Club of Bellevue has provided a vision for an Inspiration Playground at the Bellevue Downtown Park. The project is planned to be located within the Southwest corner of the park, allowing for sensory-rich play experiences with equipment suitable for all ages and abilities. There are a growing number of children with disabilities in the area and the plans for the park attempt to accommodate these children’s needs. The plans for the project include swings, slides, sand and water features.
This hard costs for the project will be funded by donations collected by the Rotary, and the City of Bellevue will fund the soft costs including costs associated to manage the oversight of the project. Phase 1 of the project is anticipated to start Fall 2014.
The goal is to raise $4.3M. Currently $1.6M has been raised to date. To learn more visit the Inspiration Playground website.
Can’t wait for the playground! So many kids will love it especially the sensory part!!
I would love to see the addiction of some sport courts for my son and family. At the very least one basketball court but a tennis court would be nice as well.
Sad to see that so much of the park is taken up by parking. There is no shortage of parking in lots and on- street all around the park. Last I recall, Central Park in NY is not 10% parking lot.
Is the waterfall staying? One of the nicest parts of the park.
I think that what the park needs in addition to these beautiful improvements are phones, placed in strategic locations, that connect to the Police Department for emergency use. Also some visible signs of Police presence is important–as the city is changing immensely.
In addition,it is critical to have a large sign that says, “This is an on-leash park for dogs. Use your leash and pick up your dog’s poop.” I would also consider a fine.
I use the park daily. It is beautifully maintained, and a pleasure to visit.