New climbing rocks were just installed, and there's more to come. Here's the news from the Redmond Kiwanis Club:
"The Kiwanis Club of Redmond adopted Sam Johnson Park as its 75th anniversary project less than a year ago, and the momentum is rolling.
"Word from the Oregon Parks Foundation this month that we are in line for a $210,000 grant puts the Kiwanis and City of Redmon partnership at about 80 percent of the funding needed to complete the first and most ambitious phase of the $500,000 renovation. Construction will likely start in September after the Music on the Greens concert series is complete. The renovated park should be ready for play by spring.
"The June 19 meeting in the park was devoted to the park with a presentation by Heather Richards, the city’s community development director (see the video on the Home page). It was Heather who made the grant application to the Oregon Parks Foundation a couple of weeks earlier.
"She explained that Sam Johnson Park is ripe for renovation because its size and location make it a community park instead of a neighbor-hood park.
"She explained that Sam Johnson Park is ripe for renovation because its size and location make it a community park instead of a neighbor-hood park.
"The new playground equipment, including an accessible rock wall, will be about five times the size of the existing equipment. The new features will be developed amidst the mature trees in the park. In the next few days, a Monkey Face replica for climbing from the Oregon Parks System will arrive to add interest to the renovation.A booth will also be staffed at all Music on the Green concerts to increase public awareness and donations to the project. As part of the fund raising effort, tickets will be sold for two chances at a fire truck ride to school or work.
"Kiwanis is noted for its hands-on participation in projects. That potential role has yet to be spelled out. It was a demonstration of inaccessibility."
The old playground is getting pretty dated. It's fully sun exposed, which I appreciate in the winter, and it's different than all the new equipment out there--which could count as a plus, but the real draw is the new Monkey Face climbing rock.
Trails: Sam Johnson is right on the paved Dry Canyon Trail, so there's plenty of opportunity to ride bikes.
Parking: There is a small lot adjacent to the playground. Additional parking is available next to the tennis courts, or by the picnic shelter.
Restrooms: Flush restrooms are right next to the playground.
Safety: The parking lot is small and difficult to navigate in large vehicles. I saw a Chevy Tahoe nearly back into some children. The trail through the park can also be a problem. As you know, some bicyclists (hopefully only the teenagers) ride with disregard for the needs of others.
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| "Legacy" play equipment |
Please note that Google didn't do so well on this part of the map. 17th Street does not intersect with SW Evergreen Ave. You'll need to approach the park from the east, using SW 15th Street. Also, the Sam Johnson Playground is north of Evergreen. They have it incorrectly labeled as Spudbowl City Park. The error has been reported.
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