Large building projects such as the Sammamish Community and Aquatic Center oftentimes produce negative side effects in the storm water runoff. However, as the city of Sammamish prepares to invest $34.5 million in the project, it has stated that a portion of the funds will be used to make the entire site and nearby acreage more absorbent.

The center will include a vegetated rain roof that will capture moisture and six acres of nearby land will be reforested as part of a drainage easement. In addition, pervious surfaces will absorb rain and water will be conserved on site, allowing for recycled use.

The city said that the reforestation effort will extend to the lower bowl of Sammamish Commons, the spot where Wetland No. 61 serves as the headwaters of Ebright Creek. The trees will aid in holding on to rain before it reaches the ground, and drawing in more of the water through their root systems.