myCity BELLEVUE • ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH • RENTON
NEWCASTLE 2019
EXPLORE
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ECRWSS POSTAL PATRON Sound Publishing Inc. 2700 Richards Road Suite #201 Bellevue, WA 98005
Clean Water Starts Here
In Newcastle, everyone agrees we live in one of the most beautiful, clean and green parts of the country. Newcastle residents also agree that we must protect and preserve our clean water for our children. Did you know that clean rivers and lakes start at home? When it rains, rain water picks up everything we’ve left on our driveways, roads and yards. Then it flows through storm drains and into our streams and lakes without being cleaned. Here are some actions you can do to keep our water clean: • Take your car to a commercial car wash or wash your car on your lawn. Never allow soapy, grimy car wash water to enter a storm drain. • Always scoop, bag and trash dog poop.
• If your car has a leak, fix it as soon as possible!
ends here
• Choose organic, slow-release fertilizer in your yard and garden, just say no to Weed & Feed. If you hire landscapers, ask them to use organic products only. • Limit your driving as much as possible. Walk, take the bus or carpool.
• Share the message! Tell your family and friends and post your Actions for Clean Water on social media. Don’t forget to tag PugetSoundStartsHere!
Learn more about clean water by visiting newcastlewa.gov/ cleanwater.
Report a problem with streets, trees, parks, stormwater, trails or street lights at newcastlewa.gov/report. To report flooding, spills, and polluted water in the road, call (425) 649-4444 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm and (206) 296-3311 any other time.
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NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
Welcome TO NEWCASTLE
my
City NEWCASTLE 2019
It’s an exciting time in the City of Newcastle! Our special community is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2019. As we commemorate our silver anniversary, the theme of 2019 is Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future. Since incorporation in 1994, Newcastle has grown into one of the most desirable communities on the Eastside. Known as the home of The Golf Club at Newcastle, a world-class golf course with unparalleled views, and renowned for our beautiful parks, trails and central location, Newcastle is a diverse, welcoming place to raise a family or start a business. The City has seen its fair share of changes over the past 25 years. The population has nearly doubled over that time, and our rich, community fabric continues to evolve and diversify. We’ve welcomed new businesses, schools and nonprofit organizations. What hasn’t changed is the culture of community that makes Newcastle unique. The spirit of volunteerism is what fuels the upkeep of our scenic trail system and our close-knit community events in the summer. Newcastle remains an idyllic locale that combines the convenience of urban living with the comfort and community of a small town. As mayor, I invite you to explore our beautiful community and discover for yourself why it is consistently nationally recognized as one of the best small cities in America! –Mayor Allen Dauterman A Special Supplement to the BELLEVUE • ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH • RENTON
A PUBLICATION OF 2700 Richards Road, Ste. 201 • Bellevue, WA 98005 425-391-0363 | issaquahreporter.com
Ad Account Executives Paul Brown William Shaw Regional Editor Corey Morris
Contributing Writers Christina Corrales-Toy Ashley Hiruko Kailan Manandic Evan Pappas Andy Nystrom
Design Sharon Adjiri
www.NewcastleWa.gov | 3
THE SHOPS AT NEWCASTLE COMMONS STARBUCKS MOD PIZZA AJI’S SUSHI & GRILL BECU OVERLAKE MEDICAL CLINICS Limited space available. Please call: Ron Waldbaum 425-586-4640 Cell: 206-817-2707 rwaldbaum@leibsohn.com
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NEWCASTLE
At the crossing of Coal Creek Parkway SE and Newcastle Commons Drive, Newcastle, Washington
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE TOWN FOUNDING
Newcastle’s History Nestled on Coal-Mining Roots City had a long history before incorporating in 1994. By Ashley Hiruko hiruko@soundpublishing.com To some, Newcastle may be considered the drive-through town, on the way north to Bellevue or down south to Renton. But at one time Newcastle’s population far surpassed that of Seattle’s. Newcastle was incorporated in 1994, 30 years after the city’s thriving coal mining economy had flickered out. That’s when a push toward local government and control began. In 1993, a ballot measure was approved establishing 4.4 square miles of unincorporated King County into what was then known as Newport Hills and what would later be changed to Newcastle. As a thriving coal-mining location of the past, it’s said that Newcastle’s coal factored into Seattle’s economic growth and what it has become today. “The history revolves around finding the coal in Coal Creek,” said Russell Segner, an active city historian. It was discovered in 1853 and found by surveyors tasked with the job of mapping out King County. No roads meant surveyors would travel by rivers. Due to the difficulty of getting the coal to market, it wasn’t mined at first discovery. When mining efforts began, about 10 years after discovery, it was carried by horseback, around the lake and by canoe to Seattle — Newcastle’s roots come from the tons of coal mined in the area, and the intermingling of different backgrounds. Renton where there was bigger coal demand. At the Museum/Photo courtesy time, Seattle was known as a logging town 11 million tons of coal were extracted from the and Chinese, working together toward the same and little was there. Newcastle area. goals. The Newcastle name was taken from the “It was what allowed Seattle to become a real “When you look at what happened here, all the English city. The first miners to locate to the area port, to compete with Tacoma and led to being different nationalities … there’s a lot of stories for coal mining purposes were English, “so they the top-dog city here, rather than Tacoma” Crispo about the interaction between them,” Crispo made it like home,” Rich Crispo, former Newcastle said. “Prior to that, Seattle would have been said. “It’s a little microcosm of what we’d like to mayor, said. The original town of Newcastle was nothing. ” see happen in the world today. But they actually situated more toward the western side of Cougar South of City Hall, a cemetery, one of the oldest made it work here because you’re all in it together. Mountain. in the region, holds clues to Newcastle’s past. Work “When you’re down below in a mine, it’s dirty, A transportation system was built, enabling has been done studying the gravestones and it’s dark, there’s no color, because everyone’s the the movement of larger coal quantities to Seattle. individuals and families buried there. Unknown same color.” From the time the coal was dug up to the time it to many, the Chinese people were involved with The city has changed from its early mining reached the market in Seattle, it would have been aiding to build railways in the region and helped roots and continues to grow. During the city’s handled 11 different times. A tramway helped to with mining support work above ground and time of incorporation, the city’s population sat refine the transportation process. Besides lumber, participated in community activities, Segner said. at about 4,654 residents. And according to 2015 the coal out of Newcastle was the first commodity “That’s how you ended up with China Creek, population estimates, that number has grown to to be shipped out of Seattle, Crispo said. China Falls — that’s the remnants of the Chinese 11,370. By 1872, about 75 to 100 tons of coal were communities that were here,” he said. “What hasn’t changed, in the little town of produced each day in Newcastle. The mining Crispo notes the melding of different races, Newcastle, is you can still see those interactions activity continued until the early 1960s and the those with European blood, African Americans that took place years ago,” Crispo said. last mine didn’t close until 1963. An estimated
www.NewcastleWa.gov | 5
NEWCASTLE PLACE IN HISTORY
House No. 75, known as the Baima House, is the sole remaining building associated with the city’s early mining and is among the oldest buildings in the county. This small house and its outbuildings were owned by the Pacific Coast Coal Company until the late 1920s, when mining ceased and most of the town was demolished. The building was later owned by the Italian Baima family for nearly 50 years. Photo courtesy of the Newcastle Historical Society
Newcastle has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest that go back to 1853 when surveyors identified coal in the area. A decade later, The Pacific Coast Coal Co., began operations and the miners settled in a new town they called Newcastle, after their former home in England. “The area here was very difficult to navigate,
with forests of 10-foot wide trees very thickly put together,” Rich Crispo said. Crispo has lived in Newcastle for 14 years and is a former council member and mayor of the city. He is currently the treasurer for Newcastle Historical Society and is one of many residents dedicated to preserving and sharing Newcastle’s history.
“I’ve always been interested in wherever I live,” Crispo said. “The history here is only 150 years old, so I have stories about people … to me it’s so alive that it’s really, really interesting and I enjoy it immensely.” Newcastle and its coal mines helped support Seattle as it was second class to Tacoma at the time. A 407-ton export of Newcastle’s coal was the first commodity ever shipped out of Seattle. “Prior to that Seattle had not been shipping anywhere” Crispo said. “That kept Seattle going, a combination of coal and lumber, until the gold rush in Alaska and then Seattle became what it is today.” The mining continued until 1963 when Newcastle’s population was at 3,000. King County then incorporated the area in 1964. The city has since grown to a population of more than 11,500 and continues to boom alongside the greater Seattle metropolitan area. At one point, Newcastle was the second largest city in King County, second only to Seattle. Despite the huge growth in recent years, locals still value the small town feeling of Newcastle and enjoy a passionate loyalty to the community. “It’s a community that, over the years, has demonstrated its love of loyalty. Back in 2007, 2008, when there was an economic downturn, we did not lose one business in the city of Newcastle,” Crispo said.
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NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE LAKE BOREN PARK Newcastle currently has nearly 40 acres of developed parks distributed throughout much of the city limits for residents and visitors to enjoy. Most offer some level of active and passive recreational elements. Lake Boren Park is the primary attraction in the city’s growing park system. It features an array of recreational components including a playground, basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts.
Picnic shelters are also available for use by first reserving the date by phone and then submitting a reservation form to City Hall. Other amenities include looped walking paths, a fishing dock and a parking lot. There are also restrooms onsite. Residents and visitors have described the 20.2acre park as their favorite park based on all it has to offer, from being naturally peaceful and tranquil at
the north end with lake vistas, to playful and active toward the southern main entrance. Because of these attributes, a number of community events are held at the park throughout the year, including the Concerts in the Park Series, 4th of July and Newcastle Days. Lake Boren Park is located at 13058 SE 84th Way and open from 7 a.m. to dusk.
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1440 NW Gilman Blvd M4 Issaquah WA 98027 425-270-3411 | www.marlowsfinejewelry.com www.NewcastleWa.gov | 7
NEWCASTLE TIMELINE
Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future 1853 — Chunks of coal first seen in Newcastle. 1877 — King County’s first railroad is established. The rail lines stretched from Newcastle to Renton and on to Seattle transporting coal. 1916-18 — Newcastle mines 1 million tons of coal in support of the World War II effort. 1959 — The Mutual Materials brick factory opens in Newcastle. 1963 — After producing nearly 13 million tons of coal, the Newcastle mine closes permanently. 1966 — Newcastle’s first subdivisions, Evergreen Terrace and Newport Woods, break ground. 1994 — The City of Newcastle officially incorporates. 1999 — The Golf Club at Newcastle opens on the site of the old landfill, which closed in 1993. 2002 — Newcastle is shocked by tragedy when Deputy Rich Herzog is killed in the line of duty. A memorial sits on Coal Creek Parkway honoring his memory. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. 2009 — The Coal Creek Family YMCA opens. 2011 — The Newcastle Library opens.
2011 — The new Lake Boren Park playground opens to the public thanks to a grant that allows the City to build and install equipment, including climbing ropes and a tilted merry-goround. 2011 — The Mutual Materials brick factory closes permanently after 50 years. It produced up to 25 million bricks a year during its peak. 2013 — The Mutual Materials brick site is sold to Avalon Bay, the company that would go on to create the City’s largest development of mixed-use multifamily housing and commercial space on the site. 2017 — The City’s first middle school debuts when the Renton School District opens Vera Risdon Middle School. 2018 — Newcastle’s drive-thru Starbucks opens, marking the first business to open in The Shops at Newcastle Commons. BECU, MOD Pizza, AJI Sushi & Grill and Overlake Medical would follow. 2018 — Aegis Gardens officially opened its doors, bringing a unique, Asian-inspired facility to the shores of Lake Boren. Aegis Gardens is a distinctive senior assisted living and memory care community is designed to celebrate Chinese culture and traditions. 2019 — The City of Newcastle celebrates its 25th anniversary.
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Visit our website and sign up for your free intro! www.GreyCoastCrossFit.com 8 |
NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE WHAT’S NEXT
City Plans for the Future with Fiscal Sustainability Plan
Photo courtesy of the City of Newcastle
The City Council is acting now to ensure Newcastle’s long-term financial stability by preparing a Fiscal Sustainability Plan. A nationally-recognized firm will develop the plan to address forecasted financial challenges. As public safety costs continue to rise and development income slows down, City expenditures outpace incoming revenue, creating an annual structural deficit in the budget. That deficit is projected to rise to over $1 million in 2020, and increasing each subsequent year, if the city takes no action. Management Partners will work with the City Council and staff to explore strategies
that could resolve that gap. As part of this process, the firm will analyze a series of actions, from revenue enhancements and expenditure controls to service-level reductions and cost shifts. “The Fiscal Sustainability Plan will provide Newcastle with the tools to face our financial challenges head-on,” said City Manager Rob Wyman. “This deep-dive examination of our city’s long-term financial health will help us make responsible decisions that ensure our community thrives for the foreseeable future.” The City will share the Fiscal Sustainability Plan’s findings and solicit public feedback
on the strategies to address the financial challenges during the annual Town Hall meeting at The Golf Club at Newcastle from 6:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Doors open at 6:30 and the program starts at 7. Light refreshments will be served. This is a key opportunity to make your voice heard and shape the future of your City. The City of Newcastle is committed to keeping residents informed and involved throughout the Fiscal Sustainability Plan process. You can find meeting updates, articles, presentations and documents at newcastlewa.gov/fiscalplan as they’re available.
A vital upgrade for Eastside communities The last major upgrade to the backbone of the Eastside’s electric transmission grid was more than 50 years ago. Since then our population has grown eight-fold. Energize Eastside will upgrade our grid to keep pace with this extraordinary growth. The project will use the existing utility corridor to maximize safety and minimize impact on Eastside communities and the environment. Energize Eastside will keep the lights on for our families, schools, and businesses for years to come. Get all the facts at pse.com/energizeeastside.
www.NewcastleWa.gov | 9
NEWCASTLE VOLUNTEERISM Volunteering is a great way to have fun, give back and learn more about your community! The City of Newcastle recognizes the importance of volunteerism and the significant role it plays in providing a richer quality of life for the community. From seniors to youth, the city welcomes and encourages all to make a difference in your community! Contributions from volunteer groups such as Newcastle Trails, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, the Newcastle Historical Society, Newcastle Youth for Community Engagement and the Community Activities and Planning Commissions enrich the quality of life for citizens. Volunteers are also crucial to City events such as Newcastle Days and Concerts in the Park. There are needs for a diverse set of skills and experiences: Set up vendor booths, organize the car show, lend a hand with the petting zoo and more. It’s easy to participate and you can learn how to get involved at newcastlewa.gov/volunteer. Here are a few notable volunteer groups and opportunities: • Newcastle Trails: Newcastle Trails is a nonprofit volunteer organization that partners with the City focusing on preserving, expanding and maintaining the approximately seven miles of trails within City limits. • Community Activities and Planning Commissions: Residents serving on the all-volunteer commissions serve an important role in local government as they advise the Newcastle City Council on issues ranging from parks and summer events, to development codes and design guidelines. • Newcastle Arts Council: The Arts Council hosts, shares and promotes opportunities for arts and culture projects among the community. They work closely with the City to explore ways to make the arts come alive in Newcastle.
Photo courtesy of the City of Newcastle
• Newcastle Historical Society: The group often cleans the Historic Coal Miner’s Cemetery and helps the community preserve the City’s rich history. • Newcastle Youth for Community Engagement: NYCE is a joint effort between the City and the Newcastle Library (with program support from the Coal Creek Family YMCA) to develop leadership skills, highlight youth ideas and opinions, and enhance the Newcastle community. NYCE is open to local middle and high school students.
13750 Newcastle Golf Club Rd, Newcastle • (425) 282-1500 10 |
NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
@coalcreekYMCA WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE SUMMERS
Newcastle Announces 2019 Summer Events Schedule
Mark your calendars and get ready for a fun summer with the City of Newcastle! The annual
slate of summer events kicks off in July with the city’s annual Fourth on the Lake celebration. Fireworks are banned in the City of Newcastle, but, as always, there is one place where residents can legally watch the pyrotechnic displays light up the night sky. Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, food and music at Lake Boren Park. Arrive early and stake out your spot on the park lawn. Bring your own dinner or food vendors will be available starting at about 6 p.m. Wondering how the fireworks show all comes together? Interested in the science behind fireworks? This year, the show’s pyrotechnicians will again share a behind-the-scenes look into their work. The professional crew from Alpha Pyrotechnics will answer your burning fireworks questions prior to the show. “Head Pyrotechnician Matt Badgley and his crew are so knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and they always put on a great show for the City of Newcastle,”
said Newcastle Community Activities Coordinator Wendy Kirchner. “Don’t miss this opportunity to get an inside look at what it takes to produce an unforgettable Fourth of July display!” Soul Siren takes the stage at 8 p.m. The band plays everything from funk and soul to rock and top 40 dance favorites. The fireworks show begins when it gets dark at about 10 p.m. “Fireworks are banned in the City,” Kirchner said. “We’re asking people to respect the ban and come enjoy the Fourth with your friends and neighbors at Lake Boren Park!” Call the police nonemergency number (206-2963311) to report illegal firework activity.
New this year! Prior to the fireworks celebrations, join us as we hold our very first community softball game on the Fourth of July. The Newcastle Softball Classic will take place at 2 p.m. at Risdon Middle School. Dust off that glove and grab your bat. Everyone is welcome. Contact Community Activities Commissioner Tony Ventrella at tonyv@newcastlewa.gov to participate.
The city’s summer lineup continues with its fourpart Concerts in the Park series. All concerts go
from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lake Boren Park. Get your fill of shaved ice and kettle corn as you listen to music under the summer sun. The first concert is July 17, when Eagles tribute band The Kings of Hollywood takes the stage. The band performs a faithful representation of Eagles hits through the decades, focusing on the vocal harmony that defines this supergroup. Shaggy Sweet, returning to Newcastle after high demand, performs on July 24. The band specializes in pop/rock music and delivers great energy as it performs its own original music, as well as covers by a widerange of artists. Country singer Aaron Crawford makes another Newcastle appearance on July 31. Crawford is forging a new path: paying respect to the roots, instrumentation, and songwriting of traditional country, yet blending those flavors with the Seattle sound including the likes of the grunge scene icons Nirvana, Pearl Jam and even Foo Fighters. The series wraps up on Aug. 7, when crowd favorite Cherry Cherry returns to the Lake Boren Park stage. Sway along as the premier Neil Diamond tribute band plays his greatest hits, including “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and much more.
Last but not least, preparations are well underway for the annual Newcastle Days celebration on Sept. 6-7 at Lake Boren Park. This
year is set to be extra special as the City commemorates its 25th anniversary. Expect to see a wide range of old favorites such as the parade, car show and pony rides, with plenty of new exciting activities mixed in! Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and Newcastle resident, Alan White is the headlining performer on Sept. 7. The legendary drummer and his band will entertain with progressive rock and soulful vocals, including some of White’s memorable material with Yes and John Lennon. “Newcastle Days organizers are working hard to make this 25th anniversary event one to remember,” Kirchner said. “We’ll post additional information on newcastlewa.gov as the festival gets closer. We hope to see you and the family at Lake Boren Park this summer!”
www.NewcastleWa.gov | 11
u S mmer e h t d wi n e th p S
Mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting summer with the City of Newcastle! There’s no better place to be on a warm, sunny evening than the Lake Boren Park lawn spending time with your neighbors. Learn more about our summer events at newcastlewa.gov/summer. We hope to see you at the park!
CONCERTS IN THE PARK (7-8:30 PM) JULY 17: The Kings of Hollywood (Eagles tribute band) JULY 24: Shaggy Sweet (Pop/rock music) JULY 31: Aaron Crawford (Country/rock music) AUG. 7: Cherry Cherry (Neil Diamond tribute band) 12 |
NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
FOURTH ON THE LAKE (6-10 PM JULY 4)
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, music and food. Get there early to stake out your spot on the lawn. Soul Siren performs at 8 p.m. and fireworks start at about 10 p.m.
NEWCASTLE DAYS (SEPT. 6-7)
Legendary Yes drummer, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Newcastle resident Alan White again headlines the festival. Expect a mix of old favorites and new ones as we go all out to celebrate the City’s 25th anniversary!
You’re Invited Newcastle Town Hall Meeting
Come chat with your Newcastle City Council and learn about their work to develop a plan that addresses the City’s forecasted financial challenges. It’s a great opportunity to meet your councilmembers, get your questions answered and learn what’s happening in your city! The Town Hall meeting goes from 6:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at The Golf Club at Newcastle. www.NewcastleWa.gov | 13
NEWCASTLE GOLF CLUB The Golf Club at Newcastle has been a prominent fixture in the Newcastle community since its creation in 1999. It features two championship 18-hole public courses, Coal Creek and China Creek, extensive practice facilities, and a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse. The tournament-caliber, full-facility complex features challenging fairways and greens, an all-weather driving range offering heated stalls, an 18-hole bent-grass putting course, a private grass practice tee including three holes for pitching, putting and chipping, and lessons and clinics for golfers of all abilities.
General manager Simon Wheeler said what sets the golf club apart is its spectacular views. “I think the views are stunning, you can’t quite capture that and it’s a unique opportunity,” he said. “We’ve been afforded an opportunity for people to see an aspect of Seattle that they normally don’t get to see.” Aside from its golfing facilities, The Golf Club at Newcastle is also the home of The Calcutta Grill & Pub and the Wooly Toad lounge which serves seasonal menu creations and an extensive wine list. The golf club is known for hosting an
array of occasions such as weddings, Easter, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving. From May through September, the golf club has Neil Hubbard, a bagpiper, perform every night at dusk. “It’s become a wonderful tradition now,” Wheeler said. Wheeler said that while it’s a public facility, the club has a private feel to it. “I think the club has a private feel to it but it is very much a public facility and I think that is part of why people really enjoy coming here,” he said.
NEWCASTLE WHAT’S NEXT
Overlake Settles into Newcastle
Overlake staff began to build a care relationship with Newcastle natives. By Kailan Manandic kmanandic@soundpublishing.com Newcastle natives no longer need to commute for clinical care at Overlake since the health care system opened its newest urgent and primary care clinics in the Newcastle Commons. Overlake’s sixth urgent care clinic and 11th primary care clinic on the Eastside opened late in April 2019 and has been serving Newcastle locals alongside a mix of retail and restaurants at 13159 Newcastle Commons Drive. The clinics have been performing well in the first few weeks and the staff has settled in. “We have a mix of long-term Overlake team members along with some new staff who are thrilled to be a part of the Overlake Newcastle clinic,” said Andrea Turner, Overlake Clinics director of operations. “We love our new clinic home and getting to know our neighbors. Who doesn’t love Starbucks and MOD Pizza? The facility is beautiful with high ceilings
and natural light which makes it a joy to work in.” Newcastle is home to more than 12,000 people and, according to Overlake, nearly 30 percent of those people received care from Overlake within the past five years. That is one of the primary reasons officials decided to expand to Newcastle. “Many are already Overlake patients. Now they can get high quality care much closer to home,” Overlake spokesperson Hilary Benson said. The new clinics have exceeded expectations according to Turner. Newcastle locals have established a primary care relationship with staff, and urgent care staff have enjoyed helping locals with urgent needs. “It’s been an amazing opening with almost 200 patients seen in less than two weeks,” Turner said. “We have been welcomed by Newcastle leaders, neighboring businesses and
residents alike. Everyone is thrilled to have an option close to home and avoid battling our often unpredictable Eastside traffic.” The Newcastle clinics have seen 98 primary care patients and 90 urgent care patients as of May 10 according to Overlake. City officials believe residents and visitors alike will benefit from the new clinics by offering peace of mind as Newcastle hosts access to Cougar Mountain hiking trails. “After going nearly two years without an urgent care clinic, Overlake is stepping up to bring this critical medical option back to Newcastle, offering peace of mind to all who might require sudden, immediate attention,” Newcastle city manager Rob Wyman said. Currently, Dr. Gregory Maddox serves as the clinic’s doctor and primary care specialist. The clinics
Overlake’s sixth urgent care clinic and 11th primary care clinic on the Eastside. offer walk-in appointments, extended hours and connections to a network of specialty care providers. In June, Overlake’s Newcastle clinics will welcome Dr. Yu Han who will serve alongside Maddox. “Overlake team members will look to provide more patient and family education at local events throughout the year,”Turner said. “We’d love to hear from [residents] on what [they] would like to see in [their] community.”
www.NewcastleWa.gov | 15
NEWCASTLE GROWING CULTURAL CENTER
Aegis Gardens Brings Luxury Assisted Living Care to Newcastle A focus on Asian culture overlooking Lake Boren. By Evan Pappas epappas@soundpublishing.com Aegis Gardens is anything but typical. A view of Lake Boren, high end dining, a pool area, a hairdresser and a gym. Despite providing a luxury living experience, Aegis Gardens isn’t a resort. It’s the newest luxury assisted living facility produced by Bellevue-based Aegis Living. With more than 40 senior housing and assisted living facilities along the west coast, Aegis Living’s goal is to provide a high-end luxury experience for seniors. The newest addition to more than a dozen other facilities in Washington, Aegis Gardens is the second facility operated by the company to primarily focus on an Asian audience and opened in Newcastle in 2017. Sitting on eight-acres next to Lake Boren, the entrance is marked with two Chinese Guardian Lion statues sitting in front of an open plaza that leads directly to the 110-unit facility and its recreation building, the Stan Head Cultural Center. Chinese Guardian Lion statues sit on either side of the entrance to Aegis Gardens in Newcastle. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo Dwayne Clarke, chairman and CEO of Aegis Living, explained that Aegis Gardens was designed to be a primarily Asian facility with architecture, furniture, art and atmosphere bringing many cultural elements from China, Japan and Korea to the Northwest. “It’s the kind of thing you would expect if you were going into the Shanghai The Apple Blossom Lounge on the top floor of the Four Seasons,” he said. residential building overlooks Lake Boren. Evan Pap“We’ve completed that pas/Staff Photo Joanne Ong leads an activity program in the afternoon. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo with high-end artwork and current residents are not of Asian artifacts.” provide, Clarke said. offered but live in their own homes descent, he said. Many of the staff are multilingual As an assisted living facility, or with family off-site. Despite the facility serving as in Cantonese and Mandarin, Clarke Aegis Gardens contracts medical “We also do respite or vacation senior housing, Aegis Gardens said, including cuisine experts that professionals to provide health and stay,” Clarke said. “If the care giver hires staff from the luxury hotel have designed a menu featuring memory care to the residents as well and their family go on vacation, industry, from places like the Ritz dishes from China, Japan and as Life Enrichment activities and the (senior relative) can come stay.” Carlton, Four Seasons and Wynn Korea. The facility itself is open to social opportunities. For additional information on Hotels. That’s because staff with a everyone, and Clarke said they are Day stay programs are also offered Newcastle’s Aegis Gardens, go luxury hotel background have more seeing an increase in residents of for people who want to engage online to www.aegisliving.com/ experience in delivering the type other backgrounds coming to the with the community and programs aegis-gardens. of service Aegis Gardens aims to facility. About 20 percent of the
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NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
Shared Joy is Double Joy Where together we live life to the fullest.
“From the first moment we walked through the door, the management and staff have been supportive, caring, and compassionate. They have gone above and beyond to make sure my mother-inlaw feels welcome and cared for.” — Susan
Our Asian-inspired assisted living and memory care community is perfect for those who share a connection through tradition, language, and cuisine. Aegis Gardens brings you a culturally-authentic lifestyle alongside Lake Boren with no detail overlooked.
EXPERTS IN MEMORY CARE With over 20 years of experience caring for residents with memory loss, we understand how to best care for your loved one’s needs and help them live joyfully in the moment.
Call to schedule a tour.
425-526-3155
A Welcoming Gathering Place Host an event to remember at our Stan Head Cultural Center or join us for one of our many daily events. www.aegisliving.com/aegis-gardens/activities/ www.NewcastleWa.gov | 17
NEWCASTLE TRAILS C oa lC
Newcastle Trails Walking Map
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NewcastleTrails150329W.pdf
RENTON
Newcastle’s loyal community is reflected in the city’s volunteer and nonprofit organizations. Newcastle Trails has been a part of the community since the City was first incorporated in 1994. The organization’s volunteers help the City maintain trails, establish new trails and advocate to preserve the trails. “If it weren’t for Newcastle Trails, we would have virtually no trails in Newcastle,” said Peggy Price, treasurer and trail work coordinator for Newcastle Trails. “[The trails] have been attracting a lot of people who really enjoy them.” People who call Newcastle home often cite the City’s prized trail system as their favorite amenity. The approximately seven miles of trails that snake across the City contribute to the small-town, natural setting that makes Newcastle special. The system’s most recent improvement came in early 2019 when a new segment of the CrossTown Trail opened to the
18 |
NEWCASTLE
138TH AVE SE
Map courtesy of the City of Newcastle
Map created for Newcastle Trails March 29, 2015 Harry Morgan
public. The longawaited section, which is the CrossTown Trail’s westernmost segment, is located along the eastern edge of Risdon Middle School. This new segment is a highly anticipated addition to the City’s trail system, as it reroutes that portion from a stretch of sidewalk to a more natural, wooded environment. This project also restored areas impacted by construction with vegetation that’s fitting for the natural setting. “The trail will provide exploration opportunities for middle school students, nearby elementary students and the general public. The proximity
to schools is a great opportunity for students to be active and engage with their natural surroundings,” said Julie Cassata, Newcastle project planner. Get out and explore your community on one of the trails. View a trails map and learn how to get involved at newcastletrails.org.
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE A GROWING COMMUNITY At the time of incorporation in 1994, Newcastle’s population of about 7,700 valued small, efficient government responsive to their values, and felt a sense of community and separate identity. Today, 25 years later, these feelings persist. The City’s population has nearly doubled to 12,500, mirroring trends throughout the area. Compared with King County as a whole, people choosing Newcastle are younger and more educated, with a higher median household income. Newcastle’s population also continues to diversify with nearly 30 percent of the City’s residents identifying as Asian in 2019. As the population changes, so too does the City’s landscape. In the last 25 years alone, Newcastle welcomed a golf club with the best views in the region, a YMCA, a library, a unique, state-of-the-art, Asian-inspired assisted living facility, and the City’s largest mixed-use development. The development of the former Mutual Materials site has brought new multifamily housing and additional commercial spaces to Newcastle over the past two years. Since 2018, the Shops at Newcastle Commons added new dining options in a drive-thru Starbucks, MOD Pizza and AJI Sushi & Grill.
Photo courtesy of the City of Newcastle
The shopping area also added a BECU and, most recently, conveniently co-located Overlake Primary Care and Urgent Care clinics. Newcastle’s Community Development staff works with developers on creating projects
that further improve the City according to the desires of the community as expressed in established plans and regulations. You can always access an interactive, updated map of current development projects in Newcastle at newcastlewa.gov/development.
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NEWCASTLE YMCA
Kids Get Their Kicks at the Coal Creek Family YMCA Itty Bitty soccer is a skill-learner, confidence-builder. By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com After a half-hour practice session, they let the kids loose with the soccer ball during a 30-minute scrimmage to complete the class at the Coal Creek Family YMCA in Newcastle. This is the Itty Bitty soccer skills and drills program in full swing, and the kids, parents and adult coaches are getting their kicks from start to finish during the Saturday classes. On a recent morning, kids were running, jumping, dribbling, laughing and celebrating when their team scored a goal. Their cheers echoed off the walls and their feet pounded the ground. Wesley Nakasu, 7, said the best part of his soccer and basketball classes is playing the game and making some friends. “I like scoring,” he said as his mom Miko looked on. Miko’s other son Jaden, 5, also participates in the classes and she said they’re always happy to be out on the court. “They learn to play together and coach
Kevin (Hughbanks) is really patient with them. He’s very nice. The boys just love him and he’s really knowledgeable and knows how to talk with the kids,” Miko said. During the scrimmage, Hughbanks — the youth sports director — watches intently, encouraging the kids while making his way around the court. The classes are geared toward boys and girls ages 3-5 and up to 9-12, and they learn basic skills and gain confidence, Hughbanks said. “I think part of it is that, I see sports as a tool to teach kids not only just basic skills of soccer and basic skills of sports, but also life skills,” he said. “What can help them to be successful in life in the future.” Hughbanks noted that other popular sports programs are basketball in the fall and winter and volleyball in the fall and spring. Parent Yuuki Terada, whose son Aiki, 5, plays both soccer and basketball, said the Y programs are a positive experience.
A youngster celebrates a goal for his team. Andy Nystrom / staff photo
“Just being in a team setting, ‘cause they always finish with the scrimmages. So as much as I like to play sports with him at home, he wouldn’t get that unless he was in a setting like this,” she said. The Coal Creek Family YMCA is located at 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Road. For information, visit www.coalcreekymca.org.
Hunter Douglas offers an array of attractive colors, fabrics and styles for creating inviting living spaces. With their enduring craftsmanship and energy-effcient designs, they present exceptional value – smart style that’s energy smart, too.
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NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE LIBRARY The Newcastle Library offers free programs for children, teens and adults throughout the year, from Study Zone where tutors help students with their homework, to Story Times for tots. The Newcastle Library is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Sunday. The library is located at 12901 Newcastle Way. For more information, call 425-255-0111.
Above: A girl reads at the Newcastle Library. Left: The library offers free meeting space for groups. Photos courtesy of the Newcastle Library.
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www.NewcastleWa.gov | 21
NEWCASTLE SCHOOLS
NEWCASTLE CITY UPDATES
Three different school districts serve the Newcastle community: Issaquah, Renton and a tiny sliver of Bellevue. Newcastle houses two elementary schools within city limits and the Renton School District added a brand new middle school in the fall of 2017. Vera Risdon Middle School sits at the corner of Newcastle Way and 116th Avenue Southeast on the former site of the Renton Academy and Old Hazelwood. The newer iteration of Hazelwood Elementary School is just next door. Newcastle residents living in the Renton School District attend Hazen High School. On the eastern side, the Issaquah School District has Newcastle Elementary School. Students go on to attend Maywood Middle and Liberty High schools. The small number of Bellevue students residing in Newcastle go to Newport Heights Elementary, Tyee Middle and Newport High schools.
It’s easier than ever to get updates on Newcastle news, meetings and events. The City of Newcastle is committed to keeping residents informed and it starts at newcastlewa.gov, the mobile-friendly, online resource that allows residents to explore city services, read the latest community news and view meeting documents. You’ll find written recaps from every City Council meeting, community calendars for the Newcastle Library and Aegis Gardens, road alerts, any police information and much more. Make it a regular visit to find out what’s happening in the place you call home. The city also releases an email newsletter the Friday before every City Council meeting. The must-read digest is full of news including upcoming events and meetings, and the very popular Newcastle police blotter. If you haven’t already, add your email to the mailing list at newcastlewa.gov/newsletters.
The Seattle Seahawks’ Blitz greets a Vera Risdon Middle School student on the first day of class. Photo courtesy of the City of Newcastle
Finally, follow the city on its social media accounts for even more updates: @CityofNewcastle /newcastlewa @newcastlewa /agency-detail/wa/newcastle/city-of-newcastle
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NEWCASTLE
| MyCity 2019
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE REPRESENTATIVES Whether at the local, state or federal level, get involved and let leaders know what’s on your mind! The city of Newcastle is located in the state’s 41st Legislative District, the 9th District of King County and the 9th U.S. Congressional District.
NEWCASTLE
City Council Mayor Allen Dauterman: allend@newcastlewa.gov Deputy Mayor Linda Newing: lindan@newcastlewa.gov Council member Carol Simpson: carols@newcastlewa.gov Council member Gordon Bisset: gordonb@newcastlewa.gov Council member Dave Mitchell: davem@newcastlewa.gov Council member Tamra Kammin: tamrak@newcastlewa.gov Council member Tom Magers: tomm@newcastlewa.gov
King County Council (9TH DISTRICT)
Council member Reagan Dunn: reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov
9th U.S. Congressional DISTRICT
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith: adamsmith.house.gov/contact
41st Legislative DISTRICT
Sen. Lisa Wellman: lisa.wellman@leg.wa.gov Rep. My-Linh Thai: my-linh.thai@leg.wa.gov Rep. Tana Senn: tana.senn@leg.wa.gov
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W O N! N PE O
Newcastle Primary & Urgent Care Clinic 13159 Newcastle Commons Dr, Newcastle, WA On the corner of Coal Creek Pkwy SE and Newcastle Commons Dr
Yu Han, MD | Family Practice Dr. Han specializes in family practice for adults over age 18. She received her medical degree from China Medical University and completed her residency at New York-Presbyterian Queens. Dr. Han speaks fluent Mandarin. Her clinical interests include women’s health, preventive care, chronic disease and diabetes. On the weekends, you might find her hiking, biking or playing beach volleyball.
Gregory Maddox, MD | Family Practice Dr. Maddox is a board-certified family medicine physician who treats patients of all ages. He received his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College and completed his residency at Swedish Medical Center. His clinical interests include sports medicine and minority health. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, home improvement and college football.
Schedule an appointment online at overlakehospital.org/newcastle