Parks committee urges clearer council direction on Dry Canyon, fire mitigation and park connectivity

The Parks Committee asked the Redmond City Council for clearer direction on priorities and touch points after presenting its role and recent work, and members pushed for action on fire mitigation in Dry Canyon, improved trail connectivity, and more sports fields.

At a meeting where the committee introduced itself to council, Alan Aaron, parks committee chair, said, “Our committee serves as advisors to you, the council. That's our job.” He told council the committee is seeking guidance on how to better align with council priorities, represent the broader community, and move from a primarily staff-driven agenda to more strategic committee involvement.

Why it matters: The committee framed the conversation as foundational for where staff and volunteers should concentrate long-term park development and operations. Council and staff repeatedly tied the committee's work to the parks master plan and the city's capital improvement program (CIP), which together will determine where the city invests its next major park dollars.

Most urgent: Fire risk in the Dry Canyon. Brian Herrera, Redmond Fire and Rescue fire…