Sammamish Residents: City to Hold Community Center Planning Meeting on Monday Evening

The city of Sammamish's series of meetings about whether to build a community center continues on Monday evening with a market analysis discussion with consultants.

City officials encourage residents to attend the meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, to learn more about the possible project and voice their opinions, questions and concerns.

While the city has set aside $6.3 million for possibly building a community center, officials have stressed that no decision has been made. Members of the City Council, though, have said they've heard of support for one from residents. 

Consultants with Barker Rinker Seacat, a Denver architectural firm, are expected to present a final feasibility study about such a facility to the City Council on July 12.

“One of the big questions is whether a swimming pool should be part of a Sammamish community center,” City Manager Ben Yazici said in a statement.

“We know aquatic facilities test well in our community surveys, but this study will give us a good look at potential costs and operating expenses. If the community ultimately decides to move forward, we want everyone to go into it with their eyes wide open.”

While some residents have said they support a community center with swimming facilities, some have voiced concern about whether it would increase their taxes. Mayor Don Gerend has his own .

Additional community meetings about whether or not to build such a facility will be held on May 9, June 13 and July 12. The city has website pages, which provide information and other background.

Residents also can contact Jessi Richardson, parks and recreation director, at jrichardson@ci.sammamish.wa.us, for information.