Crews began work on the new Sammamish Community and Aquatic Center on June 16, focusing on how to best establish the footprint for the 69,000 square-foot building.
“The weather’s been good, so we’re off to a fast start,” Parks Director Jessi Bon said. “It’s exciting to see the beginning of a great, new community amenity here on our civic campus.”
The construction site is just southwest of City Hall and directly to the west of the city library.
“When it’s finished, this is going to be a very lively part of town,” City Manager Ben Yazici said. “Sammamish Commons will have City Hall, the library, a community center and a 20-acre park, all linked together. This is going to be a great gathering place for neighbors and friends.”
Among other amenities, the new center will include:
- Leisure pool
- Six-lane, 25-yard lap pool
- Two gymnasiums
- Cardio and group fitness area
- Elevated jogging track
- Weight lifting area
- Locker rooms
- Child watch area
- Multi-purpose rooms
- Meeting rooms
The winning bid for the job, from Porter Brothers Construction of Edgewood, was $25,574,258. With sales tax, design, demolition, construction contingencies and other expenses, the total project cost comes to $33,885,000.
Although the Sammamish Community and Aquatic Center will be owned by the city, day-to-day operations will be handled by the YMCA. As part of their partnership with the city, the Y will contribute $5 million toward construction, equip the facility and cover all operating expenses.
“Partnering with the Y fits with our overall approach as a city,” Yazici said. “Instead of hiring a bunch of people to run the community center, we’ll rely on the Y’s operational expertise.”
Yazici said the city does the same thing with King County for its police services and Eastside Fire and Rescue for fire services.
“We contract or partner with outside entities, obtain great services and keep our city staff small at the same time,” he said.
Following approximately 18 months of construction, the new building is expected to open in early 2016.
