The Washington State Legislature finalized its new state budget, bringing nearly $3 million in grant money to Lake Sammamish State Park for trail improvements.

Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park applied for a $252,000 grant for a crosswalk across the entry road connecting the picnic trails and an extension of the trail by the kitchen shelter to the Orchard Loop Trail. FLSSP has agreed to raise an additional 25% of the cost.

It is expected the work can be completed by 2022, according to a Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park press release.

Washington State Parks applied and received a much bigger grant —$2.6 million — to build a new pedestrian bridge over Issaquah Creek along with extensive trail improvements. This is a more complicated project with ecological design and permitting needed. FLSSP has agreed to raise $110,000 for this project. The grant came through the state’s Recreation and Conservation Office.

FLSSP volunteers have worked with state park planners to develop a Comprehensive Trails Plan that will be implemented in phases, opening trails to people of all abilities. Future trail connectors will link to the boat launch, Microsoft campus, East Lake Sammamish Trail and City of Issaquah trails.

The new trails are intended to make LSSP better connected and more accessible to hikers, bikers and wheelchairs.

A public meeting is being scheduled to present the new trails plan to the public.

For details about how you can contribute, contact director@flssp.org or call 425-577-3657.