Help Us Bring a Community Center to Sammamish. See the Plan
Establishing a Community Center.
Lin believes Sammamish deserves a true gathering place, a space that reflects who we are and brings people together. With the CWU building soon becoming available, we have a rare chance to turn a city-owned facility into a vibrant community center that serves teens, seniors, small businesses, artists, and everyone in between. Now is the time to speak up and urge the city not to lease it out or sell it off - this space should belong to the community.
Why This
Location.
The CWU building is already owned by the City and has everything needed to launch a thriving community center. It features over 30,000 square feet of space, including a full gym, stage, office and meeting rooms, and a large open lawn.
Its central location makes it easily accessible from across Sammamish, and the property includes ample parking. With the lease ending soon, the city has a unique opportunity to repurpose this space for the public good. Let’s not let this opportunity slip away.
Located Right in The Heart of Sammamish - Find It Here!
What It
Would Include.
A community center should reflect the people it serves - multigenerational, creative, and connected. With over 30,000 square feet of space, this building could be transformed into a flexible home for:
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Teen Center - A safe and welcoming space design with input from youth
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Senior Center - Resources, programs, and gathering space for older adults
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Small Business Hub & Innovation Space - Meeting rooms and shared office for local entrepreneurs
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Arts & Culture Venue - A stage and gathering space for performances and community events
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Flexible Rentals - Spaces for clubs, nonprofits, and resident gatherings
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Public Events- A home base for local markets, expos, and festivals
Want To See What's Already Inside? Take A Closer Look!
How We Would
Make It Work.
Lin believes a project like this deserves a plan that is both ambitious and achievable.
That is why he's advocating for a nonprofit foundation model - one that allows the center to raise funds, apply for grants, and partner with local organizations to run programming that reflects community needs. Cities like Edmonds and Maple Valley have already made this approach work.
The city would still own the building and play a key role in getting the center off the ground, but it should be shaped by the people who will use it every day - residents, nonprofits, and local leaders.
This is not just a good idea. It is a practical, community-driven path forward.
Share
Your Ideas.
A community center only works if it reflects the people who will use it. That starts with hearing from you.
Lin is calling on Sammamish residents to speak up - to support turning the CWU building into a space for connection, creativity, and community. If you believe this space should belong to the public, not be sold off or leased away, now is the time to say so.
Sign your name. Share your ideas. Let’s build something meaningful - because Together, Sammamish Thrives.
Add Your Name And Make Your Voice Heard
"I’ve heard it again and again on the campaign trail - people want a place to come together. This is our moment to make it real." - Lin Yang