Washington State Parks and Recreation and the Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park held a ribbon cutting July 11 to open the newly improved boat launch at Lake Sammamish State Park near Issaquah.

The entrance to the boat launch is off East Lake Sammamish Parkway. It is the only public launch on Lake Sammamish.

The boat launch has been undergoing improvement in phases over the past several years. The new launch includes metal piers that replace old wooden ones and docks that extend farther into the lake to resolve flooding issues and to address changes in water levels occurring over time.

The improvements also include a new lane configuration and new ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act criteria. In addition, local jurisdictions worked together on rain gardens to treat storm water from the adjacent parking lot.

Fees to use the improved launch remain the same as before. Boaters paying by the day are required to purchase a $7 launch permit and also display the Discover Pass ($10 one-day, $30 annual). Those who purchase an annual permit for $80 may launch year-round at state park watercraft launches and do not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks.

The newly organized Friends of Lake Sammamish has members in the Bellevue, Issaquah and Sammamish communities. The group provides volunteer work parties and works to support the park with projects and education. Those interested may contact them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Lake-Sammamish-State-Park/102690359928865 or email them at friendsoflakesammstatepark@hotmail.com.