After just 10 short years, Sammamish has been ranked one of the dozen “best places to live” by Money Magazine, among US cities with a population of under 50,000. (http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/snapshots/PL5361115.html).
This growth and recognition has happened in a short amount of time. As a resident of Sammamish, I feel proud to say I live here. If you are looking for a rapidly-growing city that has a great community feel, then planning a move to Sammamish may be a great idea. To learn about this rapid growth and how Sammamish came to be, please read on, as I have provided a concise history of this wonderful town.
As Sammamish hits its 10-year anniversary in 2009, it is time to reflect on what makes the city of Sammamish such a wonderful and dynamic place to live. Sammamish began its journey in 1990, when the Sammamish Plateau was part of unincorporated King County. A vote to join neighboring Redmond failed that year and would fail in 1991 as well. A few years passed and another movement to form a city happened in 1998. A year later, with voter approval, the city of Sammamish was born. During the next 7 years, the City Council realized that growth was a key to the city’s success, and subdivisions were halted, so that growth could be sustained at a more reasonable rate.
Over the past 7 years, many key characteristics have changed, reflecting Sammamish’s growth and sense of community. Maybe the most recognizable piece of growth is 228th Avenue’s change from a rural road to the city’s arterial street. Since it has become the central passage through Sammamish, miles of sidewalks, traffic lights, trails, and businesses have been built along its sides. We have also seen other pieces constructed that reflect the city’s growth, such as the flyover ramp over 520 and the South Sammamish Park and ride lot.
Another sign of Sammamish’s growth is the expansion of its parks and recreation land. When Sammamish was first created, we inherited only 40 acres of parks, but through donation, purchase, and development, we now have an additional 420 acres of parks and recreation land. This is one of the key features that make Sammamish such a great place for family and community. We have also seen numerous ball fields created and a skateboard facility too. A new library will also be finished soon, which will add to the community feel.
It is this sense of community that makes Sammamish such a great place to live and raise a family. Sammamish offers all types of recreational opportunities, such as the Sammamish Symphony, the Sammamish Youth Board, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), The Heritage Society, a ham radio group, and even an amateur astronomy group. Community events that take place throughout the year include Teen Fest, the Farmer’s Market, Fourth on the Plateau, and the summer concerts and Shakespeare events at Pine Lake Park. The city’s various service organizations and church groups have also done their part to make Sammamish a great place to live. Sammamish has been recognized for the second time by Money Magazine as one of the dozen “best places to live” among U.S. cities of 50,000 residents or less.
Next on the plate for Sammamish is the Town Center, planned for the heart of the city. This area will exude an urban lifestyle but will feature the natural beauty of the surrounding area. It will include retail shops, housing, trails, and recreation facilities. Sammamish will also develop a teen and community center. The center may include a seniors’ area, recording studio, computer lab, swimming pool, indoor soccer field, and tennis facility. The city of Sammamish has had ten great years of growth, and the newest city in western Washington will be a flourishing community for many years to come.
