Botanical society’s interest in Big Rock South stalls pending market analysis and site constraints

Members of the Sammamish Botanical Garden Society have proposed plantings and interpretive labeling at Big Rock Park South, but staff told the Parks Commission on June 3 that immediate volunteer work at that specific site is not feasible because grading, building retention and irrigation remain uncertain.

Michelle Erab summarized staff feedback and noted the site is currently closed to the public and some existing on‑site buildings may not remain. Staff suggested alternative open buffer areas at Big Rock or other locations where volunteer groups could plant and educate the public. Erab said the city already coordinates with volunteers at Big Rock Park Central under an agreement that costs roughly $6,000 per year in staff time and materials for compost, mulch and irrigation support.

Angelie Mayer said council delayed further work at Big Rock South pending a market analysis for the buildings there; staff will use the consultant team working on Building 120 to perform that analysis and charge the effort to Big Rock South. Mayer cautioned that community expectations should be managed: the botanical society’s interest emphasized education and labeled plantings rather than creating a formal botanical garden on a large scale.

Staff asked the society whether it would wait until fall for volunteer coordination — this summer is the busiest season for maintenance crews — and said accommodating plantings at other nearby sites would not preclude a future role at Big Rock South when construction and final grading are resolved.