Sammamish Teen Center to Open on Nov. 3

Construction work on Sammamish’s teen center is nearing completion and the new recreation facility is scheduled to open with a kickoff party on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

“It’s looking great,” said Jane Ronngren, executive director of the Redmond/Sammamish Boys and Girls Clubs. “It’s going to be a fine facility.”

The new 10,000 square foot teen center will feature a technology center, a performance stage, a snack bar with full teaching kitchen, study and gaming areas and more for local kids and teens.

“It will provide so many opportunities for kids,” Ronngren said.

Plans exist to add a 7,00 square foot, high-school gym-sized basketball court and a climbing wall in the future. The Boys and Girls Clubs estimate the cost of adding these facilities at between $3 million and $3.5 million.

Donations are being accepted to help build the gym and fund the center’s yearly operating costs.

“We are and will continue to raise money for operating every single day of our lives,” Ronngren said. “It’s what we do.”

The grand opening celebration on Thursday, Nov. 3 will feature live music from local teen bands, cooking demonstrations in the teaching kitchen, membership sign-ups in the technology lab, and plenty of games for people to enjoy. Everyone in the Sammamish community is invited to the event, said the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Construction of the teen center began in July at what used to be the Sammamish Library. Sammamish resident Mary Pigott has pledged $100,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs to help with operating costs.