Sammamish resident pledges $100,000 to teen/recreation center

 

Sammamish resident Mary Pigott has given the Sammamish EX3 Teen & Recreation Center’s operating fund a big boost by pledging $100,000 to support it.

“I am proud to support the new Boys & Girls Club EX3 Teen Center,” said Pigott. “They have such a great track record of positively impacting the youth of our communities.”

The renovation of the former library on 228th Ave. NE into a Teen & Recreation Center began on July 18 and is expected to be completed this fall.

“We are so grateful for Mary Pigott’s support“, said Redmond/Sammamish Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Jane Ronngren. “It is our hope that her gift will inspire others to be a part of this amazing opportunity for our teens and community.”

Although funds for the renovation have been raised, the Boys & Girls Club fundraising efforts continue. “We still have work to do,” Ronngren said. “We have $250,000 to raise for our operating fund and $3 million-$3.5 million to build the gym.”

To meet their fundraising goals, the organization has formed a committee that is conducting appeals to area individuals, community groups, and businesses.

“We currently do not receive any public or government funding, and we are confident that our community will come together to support this much-needed facility”, Ronngren noted.

The EX3 Teen & Recreation Center will feature a technology lab, teaching kitchen, performance stage, study space, games room, and a multi-purpose room.

“We are creating exciting offerings that will meet the diverse needs of our teens," Ronngren said. "Those interested in technology, music, performance, art, and culinary skills will find a home at EX3, and those looking to find their niche will be able to explore new opportunities."

Once the gym is built, the facility will provide sports, physical fitness, and exercise activities.

Ronngren said there shouldn't be any competition between the teen and recreation center and the Community Center now being discussed for Sammamish.

“We have decades of experience working with teens, and one of our main findings is that teens need a place to call their own," she said. “I think there is place for both ... in a city like Sammamish.”

Hard hat tours are open to the public every Wednesday between 9–10 a.m. and by appointment. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required.

“We encourage anyone who wants to see the facility or learn more to attend," Ronngren said. It’s a great way to see first-hand what our teens will be experiencing this fall.”

More information about the Sammamish EX3 Teen & Recreation Center, is available by contacting Ronngren at jronngren@positiveplace.org or 425-250-4781.

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