In August we welcome the ‘Kids Obstacle Challenge,’ a 1-mile course full of obstacles for kids to run with their parents. You can find event details at http://www.kidsobstaclechallenge.com/

Paddling in the Park – Lessons and Rentals! Through Sept. 10 - Now's the Time to Paddle the Lake!

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!

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.

This custom 9-foot-tall blue heron has been fabricated and flown cross country from Denver. The heron will be the centerpiece of the new all-access playground coming to the park this summer. Watch out! The heron might just spray you when you walk by, keeping you cool on a hot summer day in the park!

Special thanks to the Issaquah Arts Commission for helping to fund this special piece.

Looking for an outdoor community service opportunity? Come volunteer for the Living Laboratory, a restoration project at Lake Sammamish State Park! Volunteers will assist with removing invasive species from an area near the lake shore. Come get your hands dirty, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and help us create a healthier, more beautiful park!

Walk ’n Wag dog walk comes to Lake Sammamish State Park! Get ready to register your doggies, friends and families for the first ever Walk ‘n Wag at Lake Sammamish State Park, 10 a.m. to noon on March 19.

Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park raise 80% of goal for new million dollar all-access playground. Still need your help!