Redmond interviews parks-and-trails commission applicant who wants a downtown destination playground

Redmond City Council interviewed a candidate for the Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission at a special meeting Tuesday and heard that the applicant’s top priority would be a downtown playground aimed at young children and intergenerational shared space.

Lindsay Falkenberg, Parks Planning Manager, introduced the applicant, Kim Marcelino, noting Marcelino’s activity at the Anderson Park Community Gardens and a background that includes academic work in art history and experience as an independent filmmaker. Marcelino, who moved to Redmond in July and has a 2-year-old child, told council members she sees parks as places that create intergenerational connections and said downtown Redmond currently lacks a playground she described as accessible to the city’s growing families.

“I think increasing the opportunities for outdoor play for the youngest members of the city in the downtown core would be great,” Marcelino said. She compared Redmond to neighboring East Side cities that have downtown destination playgrounds and said a similar facility would complement the city’s light-rail–centered growth.

Council president Kate Kritzer, identifying herself as a resident parent of young children, said she was “excited” by Marcelino’s perspective and encouraged the applicant’s focus on family-oriented downtown amenities. Council member Dana Stewart noted that the city previously secured state funding for improvements at Idlewood Park and said the council’s upcoming legislative agenda includes a potential request for state support to refresh playgrounds such as Hartman Park to improve accessibility.

Staff and councilmembers indicated they expect to place Marcelino’s appointment on the consent agenda at the next regular meeting and invited her to be sworn in in person if confirmed. There was no formal vote at the special meeting.