Redmond Targets Early January Reopening For City Facilities

REDMOND, WA — Redmond officials are planning for a phased reopening of the city's indoor facilities in the new year, bringing an end to extended closures in place since the beginning of the pandemic. In a news release, the city cited strong vaccination rates, expanded eligibility and access to boosters, and additional safety protocols in place in making the shift possible.

Redmond identified Tuesday, Jan. 4, as the reopening date for the Old Redmond Schoolhouse, Old Firehouse Teen Center, Bytes Cafe and the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village.

Each of the facilities will follow all state and local guidelines:

• Visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test administered within the last 72 hours to a staff member upon entering the building, per the King County Public Health Order.
• Participants ages two and older will be required to wear a mask at all times inside city facilities.
• In accordance with Governor Inslee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Proclamation, all recreation staff were required to be vaccinated as of Oct. 18.

Here are the operating hours for each facility, beginning Jan.4:

• Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village is open for drop-in, recreation activities, customer service, and rentals Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Old Firehouse Teen Center is open for drop-in and recreation activities Tuesday 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Wednesday 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Thursday 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Old Redmond Schoolhouse is open for pre-registered recreational activities only.
• Bytes Café at City Hall is open for drop-in and recreation activities Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• City Hall is open for customer service Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p .m.
• Redmond Pool is open and operating according to hours posted at waveaquatics.org
• The Barnyard at Farrel-McWhirter Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Picnic shelters are currently closed to reservation for the season but are available for use to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

According to the city, rentals at the Redmond Community Center will also be available for groups of five to 85 people on Jan. 4. More information on Redmond's "Play Safe" reopening plans is posted on the city's website.