Published October 11 2013
More than 100 community members and project staff came out Thursday to celebrate the completion of improvements on West Lake Sammamish Parkway at a "Phase 1 is Done!" event, hosted by the SAMBICA Camp and Conference Center.
The long-anticipated roadway work, designed to enhance safety and upgrade the pavement, includes a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists and a landscaped buffer. Construction of the project began in January and is the first of five planned phases to improve all of the 5.5-mile long Parkway.
Among those attending the event were Mayor Conrad Lee, who expressed the City Council's appreciation for the community's patience and understanding through the duration of the project. Councilmember Claudia Balducci recognized several people, as she recalled the 15 years it took to bring Phase 1 to fruition.
Matt Wimmer, Executive Director of SAMBICA, which was directly impacted by the construction work, spoke about the success of the project and how it represents the beginning of a "great relationship" with the city. Transportation Director David Berg acknowledged the contractor, crew and city staff who made the project successful.
Attendees enjoyed cake, balloons, buttons, a giant thank-you card for SAMBICA and a large banner for the community to sign.