For immediate release: Monday, September 24, 2012
For more information: Hank
Klein, 425-891-1193, hdklein@comcast.net
Group Formed to Support Sammamish Community & Aquatic
Center
A group of Sammamish city residents is encouraging citizens
to vote yes on Proposition No. 1 to support development of a new community and
aquatic center.
The recently-formed committee – Yes! Sammamish Community Center – is chaired by Bob
Keller and Doug Eglington, Sammamish residents and community activists.
Said Keller, “Sammamish voters will have the opportunity in
the upcoming election to voice their approval for this exciting joint venture
between our city and the YMCA of Greater Seattle. The goal of our committee is to educate
voters and to encourage them to support this measure.”
The conceptual design for the proposed multi-purpose center includes
gyms, indoor track, multi-purpose rooms, and lap and recreational pools with
water slides, shallow entry, and a lazy river.
For years, Sammamish residents have asked for this type of
facility. Now they will have the chance
to confirm their interest in enhanced indoor recreation in a year-round,
multi-purpose venue.
The proposed community and aquatic center (including access
road and parking) will cost $30 million and will be funded by $25 million from
Sammamish reserves and a $5 million contribution from the Y. According to Keller, “The City of Sammamish
has done a very responsible job managing its fiscal resources. While other cities find themselves with
considerable debt, Sammamish has sufficient reserves to make this work and
still have more than enough to operate our city for years to come. So it can be achieved with no tax increases,
no new taxes, and no debt. And even
more, the YMCA will be solely responsible for all annual maintenance and
operating costs.”
Studies show that public recreational facilities raise
property values and enhance community vitality.
Co-chair Eglington stated, “We believe the new community and aquatic
center will be an incredible resource for all our residents, including
children, young adults, and seniors. It
will serve as a central gathering place for meetings, classes, lectures, games,
cultural arts events, music, fun, and much more. And we can do it all without a tax increase!”
Eglington added, “Sammamish is largely a residential
community without much of a central core.
We really need a vibrant facility that will bring families closer
together, encourage good health, and foster connections through fitness,
sports, fun, and shared interests. This
new community and aquatic center will do all that, plus it will give Sammamish
a heart and soul!”
For more information, please visit: www.YesSammCAC.org.
Note 1: City of
Sammamish Proposition No. 1 is an advisory vote. If approved, it would indicate voter approval
for City Council to partner with the YMCA of Greater Seattle to design and
construct a multi-purpose community center.
Note 2: Yes!
Sammamish Community Center is registered with the Washington State Public Disclosure
Commission.