OLYMPIA – June 26, 2015 – The Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park will host an open house to celebrate the completion of the park’s new Sunset Beach Bathhouse. The event also will commemorate the annexation of the park into the city of Issaquah earlier this year.
The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Rd., Issaquah, just north of Interstate 90 at exit 15. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/XSFsf)
Festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by music from the Sammamish Symphony quartet and tours of the new building. Refreshments will be served.
The public is welcome to join local dignitaries, including Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler, who led the discussions to have the park annexed into the city. Also attending the celebration will be state park officials and state legislators, along with Christopher Patano, award-winning architect, who will introduce the bath house.
“For decades, Lake Sammamish has been a destination for people to experience outdoor adventure or enjoy a quiet moment in beautiful natural surroundings,” Mayor Butler said. “We are so excited to welcome this new amenity—and all of Lake Sammamish State Park—into our city.”
In keeping with the vision for Lake Sammamish State Park to be Washington’s signature park for protecting and celebrating urban natural areas, Patano designed the bathhouse to be a model of “green” construction. Features include:
- A “living” roof with plants to blend with the park’s open space along Sunset Beach
- Solar panels
- Rainwater collectors to irrigate adjacent rain gardens
Reclaimed redwood siding salvaged from a dismantled dam in northern California is used on the bathroom and concessionaire structure and is expected to add a weathered feel as part of the design, over time. Other features of the structure include: outdoor showers for swimmers; a covered picnic area and outdoor seating adjacent to the food concession area; and a covered open-air area in the center for small events such as this open house.
The Seattle Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded the bathhouse design a “What Makes it Green?” 2008 Regional Top Ten Green Award.
The new bathhouse replaces a structure that was used for similar purposes but had outlived its useful lifespan. The project was completed at a cost of $2.3 million in capital bond funds.
The bathhouse is one of many projects intended to revitalize Lake Sammamish State Park. A nature trail and interpretive signs will be completed this fall. The park’s boat launch was renovated and a fully accessible boardwalk to the mouth of Issaquah Creek opened in 2013. New sand for Sunset Beach, improvements along the lakefront sidewalk, boating and fishing docks and a destination playground are expected in 2016. The Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park is made up of dedicated community members who support the park with projects and events.
About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park is a popular 512-acre day-use park with 6,858-feet of waterfront, located in the City of Issaquah. For more information about the park, including events and hours of operations, visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/533/Lake-Sammamish
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
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 www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Janet Farness, Friends Group, (425) 577-3657
-30-