Cougar Mountain/Lakemont

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Residents and staff chat on a Neighborhood Walk in 2018.

Cougar Mountain/Lakemont Votes are In.

Thank you to Cougar Mountain/Lakemont residents for your participation in the Neighborhood Enhancement Program!

Five new capital improvement projects will be funded from the $377,000 Cougar Mountain/Lakemont NEP allotted budget, thanks to the 570 ballots that were returned.

Vegetation Removal and Tree Planting

Locations: Various city managed greenbelts within the Cougar Mountain/Lakemont neighborhood including, but not limited to, Lakemont Community Park & Open Space, Coal Creek Natural Area, Lakemont Highlands Park & Open Space, and Lewis Creek Park.

This project will involve the removal of non-native vegetation from city managed greenbelts within the within the Cougar Mountain/Lakemont neighborhood. The scope of work will involve the removal of non-native vegetation including blackberry, ivy, and holly. The scope of work will also include the planting of native trees and shrubs with an emphasis on creating additional tree canopy where opportunity exists. The new plantings will be watered and maintained by city staff until they are established and self-sustainable. Estimated project completion date: December 2028.

Project Manager: Maryann Olson; molson@bellevuewa.gov

Pedestrian Bridge Upgrades at Lakemont Park

This project will add anti-slip material to existing pedestrian bridge planks. Project completed: Sping 2024.

Project Manager: Ernie Podaca (425-451-2932); epodaca@bellevuewa.gov

Silverleaf Trail Enhancements

Location: Silverleaf Trail (Collingswood Open space) Trailhead by address 16107 161st Ave SE

This project will install the following upgrades to existing trail transition that is muddy and impassable in the fall and winter - Techno Earth grass grids with drainage in wet trail area as it enters the grass trailhead that connects to 161st Ave SE in Collingswood and renovation of lawn area for improved drainage. Estimated project completion date: December 2024.

Project Manager: Chris Vandall (425-452-7679); cvandall@bellevuewa.gov

Basketball Court Fence Addition at Lewis Creek Park

This project will install a 10-foot-high fence along 3 sides of the park’s basketball court. Project completed: Summer 2024.

Project Manager: Ernie Podaca (425-451-2932); epodaca@bellevuewa.gov

Winfield Open Space Trailhead Landscape Improvements

Location: 16544 SE Cougar Mountain Way (165th Pl SE dead end)

This project will involve the landscape enhancement of a trailhead into Winfield Open Space located at the end of 165th Pl SE. The scope of work will involve the removal of turf grass, soil preparation, installation of native plant material, and mulching. The new plantings will be watered and maintained by city staff until established and self-sustainable. Estimated project completion date: December 2025

Project Manager: Maryann Olson; molson@bellevuewa.gov

The Cougar Mountain/Lakemont NEP kicked off in April 2023 with 119 resident-identified project ideas submitted. Those projects were then reviewed for accessibility, feasibility, cost, timeliness, and maintainability to determine which were eligible to become ballot projects. 13 projects were included on the ballot and voted on by area residents. The top project receiving votes (listed above) will be installed over the next 3-5 years.