NEWS17-043
| Media contacts:
Heather Frye, (360) 902-8511
Joy Kacorski (425) 455-7010 |
OLYMPIA – June 21, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to join Lake Sammamish State Park interpretive staff as they host weekend programs focused on family fun and learning in the great outdoors. Programs include opportunities for children as well as adults and focus on the natural and cultural resources found at Lake Sammamish.
Programs take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 21 through Sept. 2 (with the exception of July 29 and 30), at Sunset Beach in Lake Sammamish State Park, 2000 N.W. Sammamish Road, Issaquah. (Directions)
Participants will learn about the park’s flora and fauna, explore wetland habitats, take guided walks and try interactive games and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Program times vary depending on the day.
Wacky Wetlands
1:30 p.m. Fridays — June 23, 30 I July 7, 14, 21, 28 I Aug. 4, 18, 25 I Sept. 1
Discover wacky wetland habitats in Lake Sammamish State Park during this exploratory Junior Ranger program. Find cool underwater creatures and learn why wetland habitats are important. Dress appropriately for weather conditions and expect to be outside for the duration of the program. Programs last 30 to 45 minutes and are recommended for children of all ages.
Mini Rangers
10:30 a.m. Saturdays
Mini Rangers is an interactive program for children ages 2 to 5. Explore interactive, nature-based stations, listen to stories and participate in educational activities and crafts. Mini Ranger programs are about one-hour long and feature a different focus each week (see schedule below). Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring snacks if needed.
- July 1 - Colors in Nature
- July 8 - Hug a Tree
- July 15 - Wild Wetlands
- July 22 - Animal Investigators
- Aug. 5 - Creatures That Fly
- Aug. 19 -.Animal Olympics
- Aug. 26 - I’m a Junior Ranger
Amazing Animals
1:30 p.m. Saturdays — June 24 I July 1, 8, 15, 22 I Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26 I Sept. 2
Learn about some of the amazing animals found at Lake Sammamish State Park. Explore animal adaptations and discover the unique ways they survive. Dress appropriately for weather conditions and expect to be outside for the duration of the program. Programs last 30 to 45 minutes and are recommended for children of all ages.
Junior Rangerin’ for All Ages
1:30 p.m. Sundays — June 25 I July 2, 9, 16, 23 I Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27
Want to be a Junior Ranger? Come learn about the Washington State Junior Ranger motto “Play, Learn, Protect,” and discover how you can be a Junior Ranger in your own community. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, and expect to be outside for the duration of the program. Programs last 30 to 45 minutes and are recommended for children of all ages.
Nature Nook
Varying times, Wednesdays through Sundays, June 21 to Sept. 2.
Drop by the Nook, an interactive learning table at Sunset Beach, to discover feathers, skulls, tracks and more. Participate in organized nature crafts and games. Recommended for all ages.
Discovering Lake Sammamish
10 a.m. Sundays — June 18, 25 I July 2, 9, 16, 23 I Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27
Enjoy a guided exploration of the Lake Sammamish State Park trails. Learn about the park’s flora and fauna while you walk and discover the beauty of a unique urban park. Water and sturdy hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Programs last one hour and are designed for visitors of all ages; however, the information covered is oriented to older children and adult visitors.
All programs are free; however, a Discover Pass is required for parking by day-use visitors. Programs are subject to cancellation due to weather or staffing availability. For more information about these summer programs, contact Joy Kacoroski, Lake Sammamish Interpretive Specialist, (425) 455-7010, or joy.kacoroski@parks.WA.gov.
About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 510-acre day-use park with 6,858 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish. The area around the lake carries cultural significance as a gathering place for at least four Native American tribes. Although recreation is bound to keep the whole family busy, a salmon-bearing creek and a great-blue-heron rookery also provide birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. For more information visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/533/Lake-Sammamish.
Washington’s state parks offer a diverse lineup of fun, entertaining and educational programs and events throughout the summer. Visit our online calendar at: http://parks.state.wa.us/Calendar.aspx
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388