City of Sammamish is Working on Bringing Evans Creek Preserve to Life and Volunteers are Needed

Scheduled to open in October this year, Sammamish's Evans Creek Preserve will provide visitors with a new way to enjoy the outdoors and experience some local flora and fauna. 

The 179-acre preserve isn't building itself, though, which is why the city of Sammamish and the Washington Trails Association (WTA) are looking for volunteers to help bring the park to life.

"We would love volunteers," said Kellye Hilde, Sammamish parks project manager.

Hilde estimates that as much as 90 percent of the trails will be constructed by volunteers thanks to the city's partnership with the WTA. The WTA is helping to provide knowledgeable trail builders and training for the many volunteers pitching in on the project.

"They're the experts when it comes to trail construction," said Hilde.

Those interested in volunteering will find that they can help in a variety of ways and can participate for as little as one day or for as many days as they have available. 

"Whatever people are able to contribute," said Mike Stenger of the WTA.

Stenger says that the work is physical, but he's seen a variety of people volunteer and have fun, from teens to folks in their 80s.

"Everybody finds good ways to fit in and be helpful," Stenger said.

When completed, the preserve will feature two miles of trails, a pedestrian bridge over Evans Creek, a loop trail around the inner meadow, a small parking lot in the northeast section, restrooms and a tool shed. 

Visitors will be able to walk along the various trails and boardwalks in the park, stop at viewing platforms to enjoy the views, learn about the park at information kiosks, and maybe even snap a few pictures of local wildlife like deer, black bears, hawks, songbirds and beavers.

The park's layout ranges from flat meadows to steep slopes, and includes a variety of habitats, including wetland, riparian and forested upland.

"It's such a beautiful site," Hilde said.

The trail system is being designed to include easy to moderate trails, so almost anyone should be able to enjoy the hike. The park is intended for pedestrians only, though, so bicycles and horses will not be allowed.

The city of Sammamish purchased the site in 2000 with eyes toward creating a park on the city's northern boundary. "It was something that the city definitely needed," said Hilde.

Concepts for the park were studied from 2007-2009 and the Master Plan was adopted in September 2009. There is $850,000 from the city’s Capital Projects budget for the Phase 1 design and construction.

Those interested in volunteering or just learning about the preserve can visit the city's website. To learn more about the Washington Trails Association, visit the group's website.