City of Sammamish Releases Locations of Three Possible Sites for Community Center

The unveiled the locations of three sites Wednesday where a future community center might be built – should residents support such a plan.

The city has identified 15.5 acres of land east of 228th Avenue and near . The owns the land, according to a city statement. Of that amount, planners said 10 acres could be used for construction.

The community center also might be built on land west of the , which is next to City Hall. Planners have identified a 9.35-acre plot of land, which the city owns. Of that amount, seven acres could support a building, the city reported.

The third possible location would be adjacent to Sammamish Commons and cover 5.7 acres on the south side of Southeast Fourth Street. While the city owns a parcel of land in this swath, there are two pieces that are privately owned.

“These properties all met two of the biggest requirements,” City Manager Ben Yazici said in a statement. “They’re centrally located and they’re next to an existing arterial road.”

But the coming weeks will require city planners to analyze each plot of land in closer detail to determine the pros and cons and whether it would be suitable to build a community center.

The city is holding a series of public meetings with consultants Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, a Denver-based firm. The next meeting is scheduled for May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The consultants are expected to show three layouts at the meeting.

The architects are designing one layout for each site.

Yazici pointed out that no decision has been made as whether the city will build a community center. While cost estimates and amenities, such as swimming pools, have been discussed at public meetings, the City Council has not voted as to whether the project will proceed.

But Councilmembers have said that they have heard residents voice support for a community center. Some retired residents, though, have expressed concern about the costs.

The consultants are expected to unveil their final feasibility study at a City Council meeting on July 12. That study is expected to include a cost estimate, design and location.

Before that, the consultants will hold another public meeting on June 13.

Meanwhile, the city is trying to gather as much public comment as possible about whether a community center – and especially one with swimming pools – should be built and at what cost and size.

“A community center, obviously, would be a very important investment for the community, not just financially, but in terms of what features our residents want,” Yazici said in a statement. “We need to make sure everyone has an opportunity to weigh in.”

To learn more about the project, visit the city’s website, which lists details and contact information if residents have questions.

Editor's note: This story has been revised since it was originally published to reflect that the third parcel of land is 5.7 acres.