REDMOND, OR -- The city of Redmond is making plans to nearly double the size of Centennial Park. Mayor George Endicott says purchasing the block between the current park and the future site of city hall has been in the works for a while.
"We just last week signed the paperwork to acquire the Opportunity Foundation property, the several lots on that block that they own," Endicott tells KBND News. "We now own that. So, the long term plan – it’ll be several years from now – will be to tear that all down and extend Centennial Park." He says the property could eventually be a plaza for outdoor performances.
He hopes the city will eventually acquire the entire block between the park and Evergreen Elementary, which is currently being converted into a new City Hall. "If you think about it, we have the park proper there today, that was built for the Centennial; five years hence, we end up with a city hall; then a few years later we then extend the park to anchor all that together."
Right now, the Opportunity Foundation thrift store sits on the newly acquired lots. The non-profit plans to open a new store on the south end of town, July first.
Endicott says urban renewal funds and the anticipated sale of the current city hall will help pay for the property purchase.
Click HERE to listen to our full conversation with Redmond Mayor George Endicott.
