The future of Lake Sammamish State Park

[Rich McVey]

http://www.parks.wa.gov/newsreleases/?number=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; 12-105

Let your voice be heard about the future of Lake Sammamish State Park.

The meeting about public support for the park in King County is set for 6 p.m. tonight, Dec. 10, at Tibbetts Creek Manor, 750 17th Ave. N.W. in Issaquah.


Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director

Media contact:
Peter Herzog: (360) 902-8652
Sandy Mealing: (360) 902-8559
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388

State Parks and City of Issaquah explore public support for Lake Sammamish State Park

OLYMPIA – Nov. 29, 2012 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the City of Issaquah invite the public to a community meeting about Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah.

The meeting, sponsored by the City’s Economic Vitality Commission, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at Tibbetts Creek Manor, 750 17th Ave. N.W. in Issaquah. State Parks and City staff will give a brief presentation and participants will have an opportunity to share their ideas for developing park enterprises, partnerships and community support for the park.

In 2007, the Commission adopted a sweeping redevelopment and restoration plan for the once-thriving park. Although the plan enjoyed broad public support, State Parks has struggled to find government funding and private investment necessary to make the improvements. A recent shift to user fees as the primary source of operational funding has dramatically changed the agency’s budget foundation. With lower than expected revenues, the agency needs to develop the right mix of financial and community support to realize the park’s recreation and conservation potential.

Public comment also may be provided by e-mail to planning@parks.wa.gov. For more information, contact the Washington State Parks Partnerships and Planning Program by e-mail planning@parks.wa.gov or call (360) 902-8638.

Lake Sammamish State Park is a 512-acre, urban state park adjacent to the City of Issaquah. The park includes two swimming beaches, picnic facilities, sports fields, group camp, three salmon-bearing streams, and an extensive system of wetlands. It also hosts numerous special events, festivals, and community gatherings.

Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at http://www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, http://www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at http://www.AdventureAwaits.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.