Redmond to design Idlewood Park parking expansion with David Evans; Department of Commerce grant to help fund project

Staff requested council approval of a consultant agreement with David Evans and Associates (about $700,000) and acceptance of a Department of Commerce grant (about $215,000) to begin design for the Idlewood Park parking lot expansion and frontage improvements. The scope calls for rebuilding the existing parking lot, providing additional capacity to reduce shoulder parking that conflicts with bikes and pedestrians, improving drainage and ADA accessibility, and constructing a shared‑use path along East Lake Sammamish.

Staff said the design will require shoreline permitting and that some trees in the expansion area will be removed; landscaping is planned around the new parking area. Staff said construction would ideally occur in summer to limit impacts to park users, but neighbors and users should expect some noise and dust. The grant was described as a result of previous legislative agenda advocacy.

Councilmembers asked about impacts to neighboring homes and transit changes; staff said they will coordinate communications and create a detailed communication plan at approximately 70% design, including postcards and signage, and will work with the communications team and transit to notify residents.