Redmond City Council Approves Rebuilding of Old Fire House Teen Center
In a significant step towards revitalizing youth engagement in the community, the Redmond City Council has sanctioned plans for the construction of a new teen center at the site of the original Old Fire House Teen Center. This decision arrives in the wake of the facility’s closure in March, a move motivated by deteriorating structural conditions that jeopardized the safety of its young users.
The council’s approval is the culmination of extensive community outreach efforts. Over the past months, various methods including online questionnaires, event tabling, and listening sessions have been employed to gauge community sentiment and gather feedback. In addition, workshops and focus-group meetings have been held to ensure that the perspectives of various stakeholders—including youths, parents, service providers, and local commission members—are incorporated into the planning process.
To further facilitate this engagement, the council established a Teen Services Subcommittee. Members of this committee attended six meetings with the Stakeholder Group, which was organized under the guidance of a community-engagement and communications consultant hired by the city. This group’s composition reflects a commitment to inclusivity, featuring representatives from diverse backgrounds relevant to youth engagement and services.
The previous Old Fire House Teen Center had been a pivotal hub for local youths, offering a range of programs until its operations were moved to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village following its closure. A comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment conducted in early 2024 revealed critical issues within the building, including hazardous materials, structural deficiencies, and significant damage such as a failing roof and building envelope. These findings underscored the necessity of the council’s decision to pursue a new facility rather than attempting to renovate the old structure.
As the rebuilding process advances, the Redmond City Council has committed to ongoing community engagement, ensuring that the voices of teens remain central to the development of the new center. City officials emphasize the importance of creating a safe, welcoming environment that reflects the wants and needs of the local youth population. For further information about the Old Fire House Teen Center and updates on this project, community members are encouraged to visit the official city webpage.
In summary, the establishment of a new teen center not only signifies the council’s response to the immediate infrastructural concerns but also reinforces the community’s investment in its youth, paving the way for a revitalization of youth programming and services in Redmond.