2020 - The Year in Review

2020 was indeed a challenging and unprecedented year for FLSSP. COVID-19 hit in the spring, resulting in the loss of our large fundraising events. We cancelled Parkadilly, Camp S’more and converted Walk’n Wag into a “Do it Yourself” walk in the park. The collective impact of cancelled events cost the organization roughly $60,000.

The news is not all bad, however. A generous sponsorship from Visit Issaquah helped us reimagine six "Do it Yourself" walks in the park, including the MLK Walk this January, a Valentines Walk which is up right now and several more this spring. Our inaugural online auction, "Experience the Outdoors, also raised almost $8,000 which exceeded all expectations.

Both the cities of Issaquah and Sammamish have continued to support our work, recognizing that the park is an integral part of the quality of life we all enjoy. We received nearly $20,000 in Covid relief money which includes a generous grant from King County.

Our Restoration and Trails committee has nearly completed an ambitious Comprehensive Trails Plan which will become part of the updated Master Plan for the park. The plan, created in collaboration with Washington State Parks, will increase accessibility for bicyclists, hikers and wheelchairs.

Despite the challenges of 2020, we continue to enhance and improve the park. A grant from the Washington State Parks Foundation has enabled us to to remove invasive species and replant the areas around the playground. On another positive note, we have added five new dynamic and engaged board members who have already helped in countless ways.

With your continued support, we will continue to improve and share our urban treasure with the whole community and look forward to an even better 2021.