Summer Nature Programs at Lake Sammamish State Park Wanda Peters, state parks interpretive specialist, has created an exciting line-up of special nature programs at Lake Sammamish State Park for people of all ages this summer beginning June 25 through Labor Day weekend.

All programs are free! Remember your Discover Pass!

Can you imagine the sound of music? The giant chimes and the outdoor xylophone-like instruments have arrived at the park, ready for installation in a few weeks! Add the giggles of children at play and Lake Sammamish State Park will have a new sweet tone carrying across the lawns and beach before we know it. This week some of the concrete foundations and sidewalks are being poured. Progress! If you would like to volunteer to help construct the playground equipment, email director@flssp.org to be notified as dates get firmed up in August and September. You can then register for your preferred time slot. Volunteers 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Washington State Parks & Recreation is upgrading the surface of the playground to poured-in-place rubber, making it the most accessible possible for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers. The investment will not only put a great finishing touch on the playground, but will make it easier to keep clean by parks staff. Geese will not likely be attracted to the rubber surface and fall leaves can be blown off.

The surface will be colored to represent grass with a salmon stream meandering throughout the playground structures.

We are very close to reaching our goal and your donations are still very valued. To donate, visit Playground4All.com or mail a check with a clear designation for the playground to Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park, PO Box 605, Issaquah, WA 98027

Thank you!

Experience an amazing afternoon at Parkadilly at Lake Sammamish. Come to the FREE kids' concert, fair & fun!

July 24, noon to 5 p.m.!

Presented by Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Windermere Real Estate East

Volunteers still needed, contact director@flssp.org

Fencing around the playground site is complete and equipment is on site to move around the dirt in preparation for the playground. Come watch the progress! However, Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park still needs to raise about $25,000 for the playground. Donations can be made online at www.Playground4All.com or send to FLSSP, PO Box 605, Issaquah, WA 98027.

Donate $1,000 or more and have your name on a boulder that will be placed at the playground. But hurry, the plaque must soon be ordered!

June 1 – Ground breaking day! The state awarded the site prep contract to W.S. Contractors out of Buckley. They expect fill dirt, rocks, gravel etc., donated by Lakeside Industries, to begin arriving June 1.

The best way to become a part of all that the park has to offer is with an annual membership to Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park. Only $25/ single or $50/family. Through Jan. 31, 2017 (or while supplies last), each $50 membership will receive a custom FLSSP beach tote as a thank you!

lakesammamishfriends.org/join-us

The Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park is organizing the volunteer effort for this exciting event and is seeking volunteers from the community, age 12 and up. Volunteer duties include ball shagger, score keeper, volunteer supervisor, welcome center and statistics. Volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and food during their shifts.For more information, contact director@flssp.org.

Let’s Talk about Bird Friendly Communities on June 13 at 7 p.m. at Blakely Hall.Learn simple steps you can take in your own backyard to attract birds and ways to get involved in the community to support sustainability in parks and open spaces.