What Would You Call This? Redmond Heron Rookery Needs New Name

The great blue herons have moved away from their former nesting spot near Bear Creek Parkway, so the city of Redmond wants suggestions to rename the 4.6-acre Heron Rookery that’s being restored.

Crews have removed non-native invasive plants such as blackberries, English ivy and English holly and will turn the site into a place for the public to walk or just enjoy nature.

The Rookery, bordered by Bear Creek Parkway and Leary Way, originally was named after a colony of birds that once nested there, starting around 1997. But by 2006, no nests were recorded. So now, the city wants to rename the redeveloped site, and it wants your input.

All suggestions will be presented to the Parks and Trails Commission for final recommendation, which then goes to the City Council for approval.

Send your suggestions to Sharon Sato at ssato@redmond.gov, or mail your idea to Sharon Sato, 15670 N.E. 85th St., Redmond WA 98052.

Please include: the name you are suggesting; a short paragraph on why you feel this name is appropriate; and your name, address and phone number. All entries should be submitted by Aug. 30.  Entries will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 certificate for a recreation class listed in the Parks and Recreation Guide.

Rules: The park can be named after:  

1. A neighborhood, geographic, or common usage identification;
2. A natural or geological feature;
3. An historical figure, place, event or other instance of historical or cultural significance;
4. An individual (living or deceased) who has made a significant land and/or monetary contribution to the park system or who has had the contribution made “in memoriam;” and when the name has been stipulated as a condition of the donation;
5. An individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City of Redmond and who has been deceased for at least two years.

For more information about the naming process, contact Sato at ssato@redmond.gov or 425-556-2311. 

To learn more about how you can help keep The Heron Rookery healthy in the future, contact Teresa Kluver, Park Operations Supervisor, at 425-556-2355 or tkluver@redmond.gov.