What started as a dream of a group of Redmond Moms has turned into a reality with the help of hundreds of volunteers and over $750,000 of donations, grants and in-kind labor.
“This has truly been a collaborative, grassroots effort by the community of Redmond that has resulted in a playground unlike any other playground,” explained Heather Richards, Community Development Director for the City of Redmond. “We have a dual zip line that will accommodate people of all abilities. Over 70 play events on the playground with the capacity to support 450 people at one time. A custom-made climbing wall that mirrors the Dry Canyon walls and Smith Rock. A replica of Monkeyface and the list goes on and on.”
“Hope Playground symbolizes that anyone can make an impact in a community. What started as a presentation to City Council during citizen comments almost four years ago has resulted in a show-piece for our community,” enthused George Endicott, Mayor of Redmond.
“This is a much needed amenity in our community that will serve everyone who lives here and those who visit – people of all abilities and ages,” added Redmond Kiwanis Club member Gary Ollerenshaw. “Sam Johnson was a charter member of the Redmond Kiwanis Club, and when he donated the land for the park to the City, the Redmond Kiwanis Club adopted the park and partnered with the City to make it what it is today. The pavilion and playground were both built and installed by the Redmond Kiwanis Club. As part of our 75th anniversary it was only fitting that we partner on this effort to build a premier playground at Sam Johnson Park that serves children of all abilities.”
Hope Playground was chosen as one of ten projects worldwide by the Kiwanis International Club to celebrate Kiwanis’ centennial in 2015.
Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc. did the layout design for the park, engineering plans for surfaces, the wall feature, metal shade structure and other park elements. Play equipment selection was by committee and Buell Recreation. Contractors and servies included HHPR Landscape Architects: David Olsen and Kat Langenderfer, Survey: Povey Surveying, Redmond, Construction Mgr: ABLE Construction, Contractor: Latham Excavation, Bend, Concrete Contractor : Kim Veltmann, Concrete Block: Cement Products, Redmond, Wall Finish: Gordon Gribling, Redmond, Ornamental Iron Work: Redmond Welding, Ben Davies, Redmond Kiwanis and City of Redmond Community Development and Public Works Departments
Three long years of planning and fundraising were rewarded when the City of Redmond, Kiwanis Club of Redmond and the Friends of Sam Johnson Park proudly cut the ribbon and celebrated the grand opening of Hope Playground. The playground is Redmond’s first fully inclusive playground for all abilities.
The project was funded in part by the generous donations of community members and by the following granting agencies: Oregon Park and Recreation Department, St, Charles Foundation, Bank of the Cascades, Oregon Community Foundation, Redmond Kiwanis Foundation, Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation, Kiwanis International Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation and Central Oregon Electric Cooperative.
The Kiwanis Club of Redmond appealed to the community for donations to its Sam Johnson Park renovation project. Partnering with the City of Redmond and the club’s foundation, Kiwanis raised $225,000 to fund the $700,000 project. An anonymous local donor agreed to match funds raised up to $112,500.00.
Sam Johnson Park
333 SW 15th Street, Redmond
