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Parks commission approves budgeted upgrades to East Sammamish Park baseball infields and batting cage
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to proceed with Option 1 — the budgeted base project to convert infield turf infill to synthetic turf and to replace the batting cage — using existing CIP funds; staff said the project will begin after Little League season and expects to complete work by September.
The Sammamish Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously on March 4 to support the budgeted base plan for East Sammamish Park baseball‑field improvements, a project staff say will improve playability, reduce rainouts and produce annual maintenance savings.
Karen Chen, a city staff member, told the commission the base bid for the work — which includes converting the infield to a synthetic turf system, modifications to irrigation and repairs to the batting cage — is roughly $900,000; with soft costs, tax and contingency the total project budget is approximately $1.3 million. Chen said the city has $1.4 million budgeted in the CIP and would carry about $154,000 in remaining funds after the base project.
“Our design consultant estimated increased field use by about 50 percent and annual maintenance savings of roughly $21,700,” Chen said, describing the expected operational benefits of replacing the turf infill and pausing labor‑intensive infield maintenance.
Staff outlined three options: Option 1 (budgeted base items including the infields and batting cage), Option 2 (adds additional infill and related work at a total estimated $1.9 million), and Option 3 (comprehensive recommended items at about $2.4 million). Chen said batting cages were the top priority identified by users; outfield renovation and fencing improvements were lower priorities and could be phased.
Commissioners asked about drainage, Little League scheduling and a proposed rental rate change. Maier explained the city will not begin on‑site construction until the Little League season ends June 30 so game schedules are not disrupted, and staff proposed raising the hourly rental rate from $20 to $26 to recover part of the investment, citing a market analysis by the recreation team.
Desi, a commissioner, moved to support Option 1; a colleague seconded the motion and the commission approved it by voice vote with all present voting in favor.
Staff said contracts will be prepared and the city will stage work so pickleball and tennis courts remain open while portions of the park, including the multipurpose field and a portion of parking, will be closed during construction. Temporary restroom facilities will be provided for users during construction. The project timeline anticipates on‑site work after June 30 and completion before the school year starts in September.
