Lake Sammamish State Park is the beneficiary of $200,000 in capital funding approved March 8 by the Washington State Legislature.

The funds will be used for a Pre-Design Report, in essence, an update to the park’s master plan that was originally completed in 2007. The funds were requested by the non-profit Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park in cooperation with Sen. Mark Mullet (D-5th District).

The master plan update process will involve significant public engagement including a series of public meetings, explains Nikki Fields, Parks Design & Land Use Planner. The work will include developing alternative approaches for the master plan and analyzing the environmental impacts of those alternatives.

A kickoff public meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. March 29 at Tibbetts Creek Manor, All interested parties are welcome.

At the initial meeting, State Parks staff will provide background on the goals for the planning process and will seek input on the kinds of facilities and projects that should be considered for the park. The public will be asked to help determine which projects are most consistent with the State Parks mission and the adopted vision and goals for Lake Sammamish State Park.

“The Pre-Design funds will allow us to also develop cost estimates and life cycle costs for the alternatives, detailed cost estimates for the preferred alternative, and a phasing plan and schedule,” Fields said.

The Pre-Design Report is required for future capital budget requests over $5 million.

In recent years, park improvements have included upgrades to the boat launch, a boardwalk to the mouth of Issaquah Creek, a new bathhouse and renovated Sunset Beach, and the new all-access destination playground. Funds have already been secured for a boating dock (2019) and renovation of the Sunset Beach picnic area.

The current master plan identifies further amenities including a boathouse, new park offices and meeting rooms, an urban campground with RV space, and a lodge at the Hans Jensen youth camp.