Special Sections - Bellevue MyCity 2019 by Sound Publishing

myCity

2019

BELLEVUE

2019

MyCity â&#x20AC;¢ Bellevue | 2019

BELLEVUE — A CITY IN A PARK Bellevue is known by some as a “city in a park.” With more than 100 parks, open spaces, athletic fields and outdoors locations covering more than 2,700 acres throughout the city, it’s hard to disagree. Parks range from the tiny one-third of an acre Bel-Red Mini Park to more than 320 acres at Mercer Slough Nature Park,

the city doesn’t lack for green spaces. Families can enjoy more than 85 miles of trails, 46 playgrounds, seven beach parks with 8,760 feet of waterfront, five community centers, 32 athletic fields and two separate blueberry farms throughout the city. Parks include hiking and cycling trails, docks and boat launches, kayak area, equestrian zones, u-pick blueberry farms, historical and environmental markers to learn more about the city.

Contents KidsQuest ...............................4 YMCA .......................................6 Eastside Rail Corridor .........8 Eastside Link ....................... 10 Fire Safety / Utilities ......... 10

BELLEVUE PARKS PRESERVE, IMPROVE; PLANS FOR MORE By Evan Pappas epappas@soundpublishing.com

On the cover: Bellevue residents explore the new pier at Meydenbauer Bay Park during the grand opening event in March 2019. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo

Corey Morris Editor Deborah Masters Advertising William Shaw Advertising Analise Hannah Design Writers Evan Pappas Andy Nystrom Kailan Manandic

Bellevue Reporter 11630 Slater Ave NE, Ste. 9, Kirkland, WA 98034 (425) 453-4270 • www.bellevuereporter.com

Madison Miller Stephanie Quiroz

Located at 10201 NE 4th St., the 21-acre Downtown Park has been 35 years in the making. The park features a circular walking path around a large open space and waterfall feature. Alongside the park is a fully featured children’s playground know as Inspiration Playground.

Bellevue’s motto of “A city in a park” has reflected the city’s effort to preserve, create and maintain the open space, parks and trails in the city.

The first three quarters of the park were completed by 1990, Kost said, but due to funding levels and other city priorities the park was not completed until 2017.

As the Eastside grows in population and development continues to urbanize the city, maintaining the city’s identity has been extremely important. Glenn Kost, Bellevue parks and community services planning and development manager, said the city manages about 90 parks and 90 miles of trails within its limits. Of the 2,700 square-miles Bellevue parks and community services manages, two-thirds is open space, he added.

The city’s other large project just celebrated a grand opening this March. Meydenbauer Bay Park is another longterm project that has recently completed phase 1 of construction. The city’s newest waterfront park features a 400-foot curved pier, children’s area and a beach.

Kost said the city’s cultivation of green space can be seen through the maintenance of Mercer Slough, the largest wetland on the Eastside at 320-acres, and the 450-acre Coal Creek Natural Area. The past few years have seen the completion of major parks projects in the city. In 2017, Downtown Park was completed.

Kost also highlighted Surrey Downs. Located along 112th Ave. SE, Surrey Downs Park now sits at the same location of the former King County Court and Surrey Downs Elementary School buildings. Once the land was acquired the building was taken down and the court was relocated. Surrey Downs Park now serves the adjacent neighborhood of the same name with an open grass field, trails and a playground. The park also features picnic shelters and a restroom. The city also worked

with residents to create visual protection from the nearby light rail developments. “We have a lot of subtle land forms out there that block the views of the light rail of the neighboring residents,” Kost said. While the park is open for use, the city will hold an official grand opening event on June 8. The city has recently completed long projects, and Kost said the city has more projects on the way and “not all of them take 30 years.” As part of the Downtown Park, the city is planning to create a Gateway that will lead people walking along Bellevue Way to enter a path to the Downtown Park. The gateway will be on the southwest corner of Bellevue Way and Northeast 4th Street and is planned to begin construction in the spring of 2020. “Many people don’t even realize the Downtown Park goes out to Bellevue way,” he said. “(We are) trying to create a ...CONTINUES ON PG 10 Top: Bellevue residents spend their Sunday at the Downtown Park at 10201 NE 4th Street. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo

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had more than 160,000 visitors – almost triple the number expected. Visitation continued to grow. After 12 years in Factoria Mall, KidsQuest began the Good to Grow Capital Campaign to find and develop a larger, more permanent home for the Museum. On Jan. 31, 2017, the brand new KidsQuest Children’s Museum opened to the public in Downtown Bellevue where the former Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art was.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

KIDSQUEST CHILDREN’S MUSEUM SERVES EASTSIDE FAMILIES By Madison Miller mmiller@soundpublishing.com

KidsQuest Children’s Museum is one of the Eastside’s best known family-friendly museums. First opened in 2005, KidsQuest encourages learning through play with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Exhibits and programs are geared toward children from birth to 10 years old and their families. The mission is to create learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world. “We strive to make KidsQuest accessible for all kids and their families,” said Cassie Ronish, marketing manager for KidsQuest. “I believe we provide a space that’s welcoming, joyful and educational.”

HISTORY While KidsQuest first opened in 2005, the concept for the children’s museum originated in 1997. When a group of dedicated volunteers obtained 501(c)(3) status in response to a survey in Eastside Parents Magazine identifying a children’s museum as the “most needed facility or service” on the Eastside. Over the next eight years, KidsQuest Children’s Museum came together piece by piece. It wasn’t until the summer of 2005 when construction and exhibit fabrication began, followed by the opening of the museum on Dec. 11, 2005, in Factoria Mall in Bellevue. During its first year, KidsQuest

MyCity • Bellevue | 2019

KidsQuest serves 200,000 people each year, and has had more than 2 million visitors since its opening. The museum has won many awards including Eastside Small Business of the Year, Best Kid Friendly Destination, Best Birthday Place, Best Kids Store, Best Summer Camp and Best Nonprofit. KidsQuest offers nearly 300 programs throughout the year including early learning classes, summer camps, school age workshops, free art and science programs, and many special events. KidsQuest offers the parents interactive programs as well, including Clay and Cocktails and Parents’ Night Out. Outside of the programs, Ronish said KidsQuest wants every child and their families to be a part of KidsQuest. Though general admission is $12.50, families who use EBT, CHIP, Provider One or WIC are eligible for Museums for All which brings the cost down to $3 per person. “We want to make sure no one is ever turned away,” Ronish said. Ronish said KidsQuest is a great asset to the community that all families should take part in. To learn more about KidsQuest visit www.kidsquestmuseum.org. Top left: KidsQuest Children’s Museum moved into its new location January 2017. Photo courtesy of Kidsquest Children’s Museum Facebook page Top right: The Story Tree is a quiet space for kids and parents to read together. Madison Miller / staff photo Middle and left: The atrium climber is the largest exhibit at KidsQuest, and a nearby nursing and reading area provides privacy and down time. Madison Miller / staff photo

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SET, SPIKE & TONS OF FUN YOUTH VOLLEYBALL A HIT AT BELLEVUE FAMILY YMCA

at teaching. I just enjoy volleyball,” said Calvillo, noting that the players rotate positions and she feels serving is her strong point. “He knows what he’s talking about and he can show you how to do it. He explains it well,” Calvillo added about Coach Nic.

By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com

With his hands tightly clasped together and an intense look on his face, Nivkat Sayfullin — or Coach Nic as he’s called — speaks passionately about how it takes special skills and patience to thrive on the volleyball court.

Lin Martinez, assistant director for Bellevue YMCA’s Health and Wellness program that includes the youth sports department, said the word’s getting out about the league and they added an extra coach because of its popularity.

At age 70, he displays a youthful exuberance while coaching volleyball for youngsters at the Bellevue Family YMCA. When he jumps, they jump. When he squats, they follow. When he barks instructions, the players listen intently, smile and get the job done.

In previous years, the league featured three branches, so they’ve doubled that amount this spring. “It is fun. At the YMCA, we take pride in being a recreational league for, in general, all sports. Our goal is to promote sportsmanship and to get the kids active to learn the game, the rules and to just make friends,” said Martinez, adding that for beginners, it gets them out of their shells.

Most importantly, the youngsters are having fun as they join Coach Nic on his 45-year volleyball journey, which included set and spikes at the university and club levels. He moved from Russia to America six years ago and has been coaching at the Bellevue Family YMCA for four years. Coach Nic — who is the Albert Einstein of volleyball with his similar wiry hairstyle — jokes that since he’s retired and gets bored sitting at home, the volleyball world beckons. As his eyes widen and a smile forms, the volleyball guru notes that it’s a pleasure training the youth, watching them grow and improving their techniques. The team aspect is what drew him to the sport. He enjoyed playing ping pong, but said the team camaraderie of volleyball outshined the individual part of the paddle game. He added that all positions on the volleyball court are crucial for success. Before a recent practice, Coach Nic pulls out a thick notebook that is brimming with thank-you notes from players and parents. He gets emotional when perusing the cards and says that helping others is tops on his volleyball list. The popular boys and girls league is split into two divisions: the Setters for fourth-through-sixth-graders and the Spikers for seventh-through-ninthgraders. Presently there are two Setters squads and one Spikers team, totaling 36 players. The schedule consists of 10 weeks of practices and six weeks of games against other Family YMCA branches — Coal Creek in Newcastle, Northshore in Bothell, West Seattle,

MyCity • Bellevue | 2019

“The very endearing thing is that many of them start super shy and maybe, ‘I don’t wanna do this,’ and then they love it and they come the next season.”

“Our goal is to promote sportsmanship and to get the kids active to learn the game, the rules and to just make friends.”

For more information on the league, visit www.seattleymca.org/youth-sports/ youth-volleyball. The Bellevue Family YMCA is located at 14230 Bel-Red Road.

Dale Turner in Shoreline and Matt Griffin in SeaTac. The spring season runs from March through June and the fall season starts Sept. 21. Adrianna Calvillo, 13, has participated in the league for about a year and usually shows up for practice early because she’s thrilled get in on the action. “I think I’ve improved here and it’s really fun, and Coach Nic’s really good

Top: Nivkat Sayfullin (or Coach Nic) checks out the action at practice at the Bellevue Family YMCA. Andy Nystrom / staff photo Above: Adrianna Calvillo, 13, practices her setting skills during practice. Andy Nystrom / staff photo

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.

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MAKING THE CONNECTION THE EASTSIDE RAIL CORRIDOR MAKES ADVANCEMENTS By Stephanie Quiroz squiroz@soundpublishing.com With 10 years in the works, King County is developing a non-motorized route along the Eastside Rail Corridor (ERC). Previously owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF), the corridor extends 42 miles from Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton, through Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Woodinville, to portions of unincorporated King and Snohomish counties. King County is currently working to develop the 16.7 miles of new regional trail that will connect Eastside Communities by providing a safe multi-use regional trail for bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers and users of all ages and abilities. “We really do believe that this is a transformational trail,” King County special projects manager Curt Warber said. “There’s no connected non-motorized route that does what this trail will do.” According to Warber, King County is working on the corridor phase by phase and transforming it into what they expect is

going to be the “most popular and exciting non-motorized route on the Eastside.” In Bellevue, King County is approaching 60 percent of the design, in terms of funding needs, for two of the largest projects: the bridge over Northeast 8th Street that will close the gap along the corridor, and repairs for the Wilburton Trestle. The ERC will run through the Wilburton segment and provide trail users with views of downtown Bellevue and beyond. The bridge over Northeast 8th Street will allow access over 8th Street and provide strong connections to Sound Transit once it’s open in 2022. According to Warber, the trestle repairs include building a solid and stable trestle to last, replacing the surface of the trestle with concrete deck, and adding safety railings for the different view points along the trail. Along with the two large projects, King County’s recent partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), will build several new paved miles of the ERC trail including a critical bridge over Interstate 405 in Bellevue. The project is scheduled to break ground by spring 2020, with the goal of completion in 2021. With the new wide paved ERC trail coming soon, WSDOT will need to remove the existing Lake Loop Trail and will compensate by reconstructing 2.5 miles of paved ERC trail south of I-90 between Coal Creek Parkway Southeast and Ripley Lane. The trail new bridge over I-405 will be

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constructed near the Mercer Slough. The bridge will be near the location of the former Wilburton train tunnel. The upcoming King County parks levy will include funding for the expansion and connection of regional trails, including the ERC. The levy will be on the August ballot. If passed, King County will have capital funds to complete the Northeast 8th Street crossing and the I-405 connection projects. “There are a lot of good things going on in the city of Bellevue that we really support,” Warber said. In November, the Bellevue city council decided to pursue the “Lid Park” for the Grand Connection I-405 crossing. The Grand Connection begins at the waterfront of Lake Washington at Meydenbauer Bay Park, extending through the city’s downtown and ultimately connecting with the ERC in the Wilburton commercial area. According to the city, the Grand Connection will “influence the land use patterns of the Wilburton commercial area by improving connectivity to downtown and creating a landmark piece of infrastructure.” Warber said it’s hard not to be excited about the ERC, and “everybody would just like to get this thing open.” For more ERC updates, go online to www.kingcounty.gov/services/parksrecreation/parks/trails/regional-trails/popular-trails/eastside-rail-corridor.aspx. To learn about the Bellevue Grand Connection, go online to www.bellevuegrandconnection.com

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Left: King County's big projects will be the bridge over NE 8th Street that will close the gap along the corridor and repairs for the Wilburton Trestle. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

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Above: Bikers riding on Jane Hague Way, a onemile portion of the ERC that connects the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail with Bellevue’s Spring District and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s SR 520 trail. Stephanie Quiroz/ staff photo

DINE AND SEE THE STARS IN SNOQUALMIE Elevate your game at the Eastside’s only casino. Snoqualmie Casino offers fastpaced gaming, top-tier entertainment, award winning restaurants and one of the Northwest’s only cigar lounges. The breathtaking view of the Snoqualmie Valley along with countless entertainment options makes Snoqualmie Casino a must-visit destination.

GAMING: Snoqualmie Casino offers 55 classic table games as well as nearly 1700 state-of-the-art slot machines. Sign up for the free Crescent Club and earn valuable rewards and offers to enhance your experience.

DINING: Enjoy a true farm to table experience at Snoqualmie Casino’s signature restaurant, Vista Prime Steaks and Seafood. With locally sourced beef and herbs and vegetables grown on property at Snoqualmie Casino, the fresh seasonal menu at Vista Prime Steaks and Seafood will satisfy even the pickiest of palates. For something a little different, 12 Moons offers a rotating selection of fresh sushi and Asian fare in a distinctly modern and spacious setting. Can’t decide? Falls Buffet has it all! From hand carved prime rib and all you can eat king crab to the decadent chocolate fountain and fresh desserts…Falls Buffet will not disappoint.

BEST IN SHOW WITH RICK SPRINGFIELD & EDDIE MONEY Friday, July 5 at 8 p.m. Mountain View Plaza MONTGOMERY GENTRY Saturday, July 6 at 7 p.m. Mountain View Plaza Top: Jonny Lang at Snoqualmie Casino. Above: 12 Moons restaurant at Snoqualmie Casino.

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The stage is always set for some of the biggest names in music and comedy. The panoramic outdoor Mountain View Plaza provides the perfect backdrop for concerts on warm summer nights, while the Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom draws headline acts year-round. To see the line-up, visit www.snocasino.com

CONCERT LINEUP

CARLY PEARCE Thursday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m. Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom ZEPPARELLA Friday, August 30 at 8:30 p.m. Mountain View Plaza TESLA Saturday, August 31 at 7 p.m. Mountain View Plaza

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED Friday, June 21 at 8 p.m. Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER Friday, October 11 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 12 at 7 p.m. Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom

HELL’S BELLES Thursday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Mountain View Plaza

JEFF FOXWORTHY Friday, November 22 at 8 p.m. Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom

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DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO POP-UP ALONGSIDE EAST LINK AS EAST LINK CONTINUES CONSTRUCTION, BELLEVUE HAS ABOUT 16 PROJECTS UNDERWAY NEARBY By Kailan Manandic kmanandic@soundpublishing.com

The office and retail mixed-use Summit III development site is fenced off and only received the required building and land-use permits in the first quarter of 2019. Kailan Manandic / staff photo

The planned stations at 130th in Bel-Red, 120th in Spring District, downtown Bellevue, Wilburton, Main Street and South Bellevue collectively have 33 projects surrounding them in various stages of development. Most projects are currently under construction while some are currently in review and others have been issued land-use permits, according to the city’s first Quarter 2019 Major Projects Report and the Bellevue Downtown Association’s (BDA) development pipeline portal.

Under construction near the Downtown and Main Street Bellevue Stations, locals can see: The 18-story 888 Bellevue Tower, eventually offering 160 residential units and 211 parking stalls on a retail podium; the luxury One88 that will host 143 residential units with three-bedroom residences starting at more than $2 million; the 23-story Brio Apartments featuring 258 residential units on a retail podium; the 136-unit Parkside development which will have three levels of parking and retail shops; the 163-unit B2 building with retail and parking space, among other amenities; the Cerasa Apartments building which also hosts 1,300 square-feet of retail space; and phase two of Metro 112 that will add 57 residential apartment units and underground parking.

will feature 279 residential units, ground floor retail and restaurants with 246 parking stalls; the 11-story Spring District building 16 will host office space, ground floor retail and five floors of underground parking; the AMLI residential building will host parking, retail and 204 residential units; REI Co-op’s new campus will host the Kent campus’s relocation; the six-story AUDI parking garage will host 446 stalls for dealership inventory.

Currently, all stations are under construction except for the Spring District station which received building and land-use permits by the end of 2019’s first quarter.

Bellevue’s Spring District Station has its own share of projects popping up with six currently under construction: The Spring District Residential Phase Two

All other developments with land-use permits or those that are currently under review can be found at the BDA’s website or the city’s quarterly report.

...CONTINUED FROM PG 3

One of the big plans for the future is continued development on the waterfront Meydenbauer Bay Park. Planning and design for phase 2 of the park is expected to begin in 2020 and is estimated to be a two- to three-year process. Bellevue wants to shape this element of the city to work with the future of roadways, parking and transportation in the city.

urbanization and development, Kost said the city of Bellevue was lucky to have the leadership of the past prioritize these elements before many other cities.

Work crews continue construction on the East Link light rail extension with seven stations throughout Bellevue contributing to the 43 development projects in the city’s pipeline.

plaza area as it becomes a more obvious entryway to the park.” More neighborhood parks are in the works for the Newport Hills subdivision as well as one in Bridle Trails. Funding was acquired for the Newport Hills park in the last budget cycle so now the city is working toward getting it under construction. The Bridle Trails project is aiming to start in 2021.

FIRE & SAFETY The Bellevue Fire Department provides fire and emergency services to residents and to the those living in Beaux Arts, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, King County Fire District #14, Medina, Newcastle and Yarrow Point. It also is a regional provider of advanced life support services in King County. The Fire Department’s comprehensive

MyCity • Bellevue | 2019

In looking at the work done to preserve open space, rivers and the natural environment in the face of growing emergency medical services program currently operates four Medic One units, which provide a high level of patient care to approximately 250,000 Eastside and Snoqualmie Valley residents spread over a 301-square mile area.

FIRE STATIONS Station One – 766 Bellevue Way S.E. Station Two – 2802148th Ave. S.E.

The East Link Wilburton Station has the Bellevue Vuecrest Apartments in development down the road with 137 residential units and two underground parking levels. On the other end of Bellevue, the Bel-Red Station will see the AVID and GIS townhome developments hosting 49 units and 12 units respectively.

“The city has, over its existence, been pretty forward thinking,” he said. “The whole system of parks and greenways, the philosophical underpinning was developed in the ‘60s and ‘70s… the downtown zoning was created in the ‘70s. It has resulted in what you see today which is very different than what you see in most cities. Station Three – 16100 NE Eighth St. Station Four – 4216 Factoria Blvd. S.E. Station Five – 9621 NE 24th St. Station Six – 1850 132nd Ave. N.E. Station Seven – 11900 SE Eighth St. Station Eight – 5701 Lakemont Blvd. S.E. Station Nine – 12412 Newcastle Way Station 10 (opening 2022) – 1200 block of 112th Ave. N.E.

UTILITIES

system. The system is a combination of streams, lakes, wetlands, pipes, catch The water you use and drink, and the basins and flood control sites – private trash you toss – all come under the conand public systems. They provide the safe trol of the Bellevue Utilities Department movement of stormwater to streams, lakes that manages: and wetlands, and protect natural habitat. Anything on the surface, such as fertilizer DRINKING WATER or soap from a washed car, can wash into Bellevue’s drinking water comes from pro- storm drains which flows without treattected watersheds of the Cedar and South ment into a streams and eventually lakes. Fork Tolt rivers in the Cascade Mountains It can harm the natural environment. If It meets or exceeds state and federal water you notice polluted water running into quality requirements. Residents can learn a storm drain or stream or if your home or business is in danger of flooding, call more about their water in the annual drinking water quality report at www.bel- Utilities 24-hour Emergency Response levue.gov/water_quality.htm. To ensure at 425-452-7840. reliable water service to residents, Bellevue Utilities has a water main replacement WASTEWATER program that targets pipes that are most susceptible to breaking. If there is sudden Wastewater is all the water that leaves the inside of a building through sinks, water outage or water quality issues call toilets, washing machines, etc. and enters Bellevue Utilities 24-hour Emergency Bellevue's wastewater (sewage) collection Response at 425-452-7840. system. Wastewater then flows through city pipes into King County's regional STORM & SURFACE WATER sewage system, where it is treated to meet federal and state water quality standards. Water flowing off a property, whetheasements. Residents can help prevent er from rain or a hose, ends up in the Bellevue Utilities storm and surface water wastewater backups into homes and

maintain the health of the city system by flushing only toilet paper down the drain and keeping wipes and other products labeled as flushable out. Fats, oil, and grease from cooking should also be disposed of in the trash and not down the drain.

RECYCLING & ORGANICS Bellevue contracts with Republic Services for garbage and recycling services that include garbage, general household trash, food scraps and yard trimmings. The contract with Republic Services (Allied Waste) lets residents in single-family homes recycle small appliances, computer equipment, small TVs, clothing and linens free at the curb. Visit www.bellevuerepublic.com or call 425-452-4762.

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BELLEVUE

NEIGHBORHOODS Bellevue is a community of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. The city of Bellevue has 16 distinct neighborhood areas, each with their own unique neighborhood character and identity. Bellevue’s neighborhoods are home to a diverse and well-connected community of neighbors with local connections to schools, stores, parks, trails and the natural beauty that defines the character of the Pacific Northwest. The city’s role is to ensure that neighborhoods enjoy a high-quality environment that facilitates a safe and welcoming community, are able to adapt to changing needs, and preserve what is cherished most. Here is a look at each:

BELRED BelRed is being transformed from a light industrial area into one of Bellevue’s newest mixed use, transit oriented neighborhoods. The transformation will include the addition of three Sound Transit light rail stations, new investments in arterial street improvements, pedestrian and bike facilities, an arts district, parks and open spaces, and the daylighting of the Kelsey Creek salmon-bearing headwaters and Golf creek. Located between Downtown Bellevue and Microsoft headquarters, this neighborhood provides an ideal location for convenient access to anywhere you want to go. The Spring District is already under construction, adding new residential and office space, as well as a new brewpub. BelRed will also be welcoming the campus of the new Global Innovation Exchange, a partnership between two leading research universities, the University of Washington and Tsinghua University, with foundational support from Microsoft.

BRIDLE TRAILS Bridle Trails is Bellevue’s equestrian neighborhood area, with acres of residential property devoted to pastures and trails for horses. While not every family is part of the equestrian culture, all residents enjoy the vast green spaces and peaceful ambiance found here.

MyCity • Bellevue | 2019

Bridle Trails is heavily wooded, with an extensive trail system and a predominance of large single-family lots. Nearly two-thirds of the area is covered with second-growth timber, and residents have accepted extra regulation to protect trees on public and private property. Local residents also have taken the initiative to preserve Bridle Trails State Park, a 482acre preserve with 28 miles of equestrian and pedestrian trails.

COUGAR MOUNTAIN / LAKEMONT Predominately single-family residential neighborhoods rise up the slopes of Cougar Mountain in this scenic neighborhood area adjacent to natural, untamed stretches of countryside. While cougars are rare, it isn’t unusual for residents to spot raccoons, opossums, deer – or even an occasional bear – taking an early morning stroll through the neighborhood. A pedestrian trail network provides an oasis of natural beauty for all to enjoy, linking homes to neighborhood parks, neighborhoods to each other and the regional Cougar Mountain Park (in Newcastle) and the neighborhood shopping center at

LAKEMONT Steep grades, upscale developments with large newer homes and spectacular views are characteristic of Cougar Mountain/ Lakemont. The area is home to a large number of .recently built planned neighborhood communities, including the Summit, Forest Ridge, Vuemont, and Cougar Mountain/Lakemont developments. Cougar Mountain also provides a great place for biking enthusiasts to practice their skill at uphill climbs. About half of this area is in the Bellevue School District; students in the other half attend schools in the Issaquah and Renton districts.

CROSSROADS

Northeast, is a hub of activity, featuring regular stage entertainment and special events, a seasonal Farmer’s Market, a popular ethnic food court and an activity area where local residents gather to play chess and other games. The city operates three major facilities to address the needs and interests of East Bellevue residents: Mini City Hall, offering information and referral services in many languages; the Crossroads Community Center and the Crossroads Police substation. Bellevue’s Youth Theater now graces the Crossroads community with its year-round youth productions, including theater in-the-round and outdoor amphitheater shows. Crossroads Park features a nine-hole golf course, a water park for children, and a popular multipurpose park for everyday users and hosts Bellevue’s annual Strawberry Festival. Many of the community’s nonprofit human service providers are located nearby.

DOWNTOWN Downtown Bellevue is the primary economic and employment center for the city and the region – and over the past two decades, has become Bellevue’s fastest growing residential neighborhood. Downtown Bellevue sets a high bar for urban living. With a great mix of senior housing, young professionals and families, downtown Bellevue has become home to an intergenerational community – all enjoying the walkability, safety, and energy of living in the heart of Bellevue’s city life. With the convenience of casual and fine dining, world class shopping and cultural attractions, as well as the Downtown Park and Meydenbauer Bay, all within walking distance - something fabulous is always close by. It could be a new exhibit at the Bellevue Arts Museum, a show during the Jazz Festival or some family-fun at Snowflake Lane.

Old Bellevue on Main, the Bellevue Collection, the Bravern, or any of the In many ways, Crossroads is the heart specialty stores and restaurants located of East Bellevue. It’s the focal point for Downtown provide opportunities to disentertainment, cultural exchange, shopcover something new year-round. ping and community services for area Downtown Bellevue is also home to Bellevue’s residents. Bustling, densely populated and Meydenbauer Convention Center and richly diverse, Crossroads is characterBellevue’s City Hall. ized by an abundance of large apartment complexes, established single-family EASTGATE & FACTORIA neighborhoods and restaurant and retail establishments. The Eastgate and Factoria neighborhoods are located along the east-west spine of Crossroads Shopping Center, located at Northeast Eighth Street and 156th Avenue I-90 and its intersection with I-405, pro-

viding a mix of commercial office space and retail, multi-family apartments and established single family neighborhoods, including Bellevue’s most recently annexed neighborhood, Eastgate. Marketplace at Factoria provides an assortment of retail services, a movie theater, and a number of local restaurants for families to enjoy. The Eastgate Park and Ride provides commuters with easy access to both the Eastside and Seattle. The neighborhoods are rich with diversity and culture from all over the world and desired by young families and adults seeking to access Bellevue’s top rated schools. For recreational opportunities, the South Bellevue Community Center provides a climbing wall, basketball courts, a fitness center and an assortment of camps and classes for children and adults. It also is the location of Bellevue’s Zip Line. Nearby, the Mountain to Sound Greenway provides bicyclists with a trail system connecting to Seattle and the Cascades.

LAKE HILLS Originally developed in the late 1950s as a planned community with the Lake Hills Shopping Center at its core, the area still

retains much of its original single-family rambler charm. Lake Hills is Bellevue’s most populous residential neighborhood area, including a number of smaller neighborhoods and multi-family communities. Lake Hills has two local commercial shopping centers, both recently redeveloped, including Lake Hills Village and Kelsey Creek Center. It is also home to the growing campus of Bellevue College. The richness of the community lies in its extensive system of open space, trails and wetlands. The Lake Hills greenbelt is a wetland corridor which connects Phantom Lake on the south with Larson Lake and its surrounding blueberry fields on the north. It encompasses more than 172 acres of woods and wetlands, home to coyotes, muskrats and an array of songbirds. Robinswood Community Park is a community gathering space with its indoor tennis center, lighted athletic fields and off-leash areas for dogs.

NEWPORT The Newport area includes four distinct communities all known for their strong sense of neighborhood identity; the Newport Hills/Lake Heights neighborhoods east of Interstate 405, Greenwich Crest uphill to the west of I-405, Lake

Lanes nestled along Lake Washington and the Newport Shores district built around a series of man-made inlets. Newport Shores and Lake Lanes are neighborhoods built with homes oriented toward the waterfront, boating and lake activities. The Lake Heights and Newport Hills neighborhoods are cohesive communities with strong neighborhood traditions and activities and loyalty to their local neighborhood shopping district. Greenwich Crest is a hidden gem of a neighborhood with some beautiful views. Once a secluded area of woods and wetlands, Newport provides a home or migratory corridor for an abundance of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, mountain beavers, raccoons, possums, squirrels, red-tail hawks and eagles. The 146-acre Coal Creek Natural Area provides a natural wilderness buffer for the residential community and a great walking trails to explore. The neighborhood area of Newport is served by both the Bellevue School District and Renton School District.

NORTHEAST BELLEVUE Stretching from Lake Sammamish to the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Northeast Bellevue is a tapestry of neighborhoods,

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