City of Sammamish

Sammamish’s Parks and Recreation system is an integral part of our healthy and sustainable community that connects people to nature, play and culture.

The Recreation Division includes five employees who oversee beloved City events and support environmental initiatives that make Sammamish a great place to live. The team is responsible for organizing city events such as 4th on the Plateau, Earth Day, Rigapalooza, Frosty Fest, and the summer concerts at Pine Lake Park, bringing neighbors together through free celebrations paid for by the City’s General Fund.

Their efforts extend to coordinating volunteer and restoration programs and managing facility rentals. Recreation staff also work as liaisons for the Arts Commission and Youth Board. Beyond events, the team supports the community in critical ways. They manage a lifeguarding program at Pine Lake, ensuring safe summer recreation, and recently launched a life jacket loaner program at Pine and Beaver Lake to promote water safety.

Volunteers are a key part of Sammamish’s success, and the Volunteer Coordinator leads City-wide efforts such as Eagle Scout service projects, Adopt-A-Road, and the Bee City USA Initiative, which promotes pollinator-friendly landscaping and sustainable land management.

Restoration efforts are led by the City’s Restoration Specialist, who manages habitat restoration and environmental education programs. Through partnerships with local high schools, elementary schools, and environmental clubs, students gain hands-on experience in habitat restoration, local ecology, and native plant stewardship.

The Parks & Recreation Department manages key community partnerships, including leases with the Boys & Girls Club for the Teen Center, Youth Eastside Services for CrossPath Counseling Center, and the YMCA for the Sammamish Community & Aquatic Center. These agreements ensure that essential programs remain available to residents, supporting youth development, mental health, and recreational activities.

According to Sammamish’s 2024 Community Survey, 89% of residents rated Parks & Recreation opportunities as excellent or good. To view those results visit: sammamish.us/projects/2024survey/. With a commitment to hosting free community events and protecting natural spaces, the Recreation Division’s work ensures that Sammamish remains a place where people can connect with nature and each other.