Residents reflect on life in Sammamish at 25th anniversary celebration
At Sammamish’s 25th anniversary Silver Jubilee on Aug. 16, residents celebrated the city’s quarter-century milestone and reflected on its past, present, and future.
Ahead of the event, in an interview with the Sammamish Independent, Councilmember Sid Gupta shared his appreciation for the celebration and for the city itself.
“I’m very proud of Sammamish. It is a great place to live. This anniversary is a great way to incorporate how far we’ve come and how far we can go,” Gupta said.
At the jubilee, where people lined up at food trucks while children dashed around the commons and families mingled to the beat of live music, the Sammamish Independent had a chance to speak with several residents about life in our small city.
Reflecting on their time in Sammamish, several longtime residents expressed appreciation for the city’s diversity and friendliness.
“It feels good to walk around and see different people from different cultures,“ Lisa Antush, 59, a 43-year resident, said. “You feel empowered to speak up, and that’s what helps make Sammamish have a really good community feel.”
“It feels even more friendly than when I came here. I feel everyone gets together and mingles with everyone,” said Sakshi Lav, 46, a resident of seven years.
As for the future, some residents expressed hope for more local commercial and community activities. Many enjoy events like Fourth on the Plateau and the Sammamish farmers market for a sense of togetherness.
“Events like these have shown more community leadership and people growing together,” Lav said. “I think these events are helping out our community and making it stronger as well.”
Residents expressed optimism for the future of Sammamish, but they also have hopes for a few improvements.
“Sammamish is headed in a positive trajectory. It is positive in terms of being able to manage and expand Sammamish as a city, but more business in retail and public transportation is needed,” said Conny Bulmen, 69, a 40-year resident.
Those who expressed interest in more community events also hope to have the city preserve its natural beauty and small-town feel. For them, these features make Sammamish special.
“I hope they don’t do a huge renovation and cut down all the trees,” eight-year resident Akshara Reddyshetty, 17, said. “Hopefully Sammamish doesn’t become a commercial city, preferably keeping the city as a small town.”
Still, like many at the celebration, Reddyshetty appreciates Sammamish’s walkable amenities, a byproduct of commercial development.
“I can walk to the library, to stores, and to my house, all so easily,” she said.
