The City of Issaquah has done it again.

Public Works Engineering hosted a “public meeting” on Jan. 21 regarding Squak Valley Park North on Issaquah-Hobart Rd.

However, only homes in Sycamore within 300 feet of the project were notified. Those of us who have had ongoing interest in the park’s development and who live across the road had no idea.

Doesn’t a park merit notice to all residents who will pay for its development and upkeep as well as county residents who have commented on this park in the past?

Squak Valley Park is sited on the former Erickson property along Issaquah Creek. Kees Creek runs through it to connect with Issaquah Creek.

This property floods when Issaquah Creek goes over its banks and Kees Creek then can’t empty to Issaquah Creek and backs up into the huge wetland east of Issaquah Hobart Rd. causing flooding on both sides of the road.

Those few who came to the meeting were told that no flood control is included in the project — which will breach the dike containing Issaquah Creek to create a secondary channel for salmon spawning and create an interpretive nature path.

The path itself has no connectivity to the sidewalk on Front St, so how are residents supposed to get there other than by car? Does this sound like a well-thought-out plan?

Lastly, this park is also to be the site of the Ruth Kees Memorial Grove. Those of us who honor her memory are interested in how the grove will be incorporated within the park. Frankly, Ruth is probably turning in her grave to know that another park is being developed without consideration for the entire area or wide public input.

Barbara Shelton

Issaquah