Sammamish needs a teen activity center – here’s why
As I enter my senior year of high school and reflect on my 13 years in Sammamish, the lack of entertainment and social options available to teens has become increasingly apparent. Despite the beauty of our safe, serene community, I often feel a lonely disconnect. For teens in Sammamish, spending time with friends is a struggle, as our choices are limited by cost and repetitive activities.
An Ally Bank survey conducted in 2025 revealed that 44% of Gen Z and Millennials skip major social gatherings because of cost, often spending upwards of $250 per month hanging out with friends. With 69% of teens and young adults experiencing a fear of missing out (FOMO), they do not want friends to hang out without them. With limited non-financial venues, spending in Sammamish feels unavoidable. This further emphasizes the importance of a cost-free option for teens.
I have personally chosen to reduce how often I go out due to the cost. My parents remind me to be financially responsible, concerned that I have spent $10 on boba again. I don’t want to upset my parents but I don’t want to miss time with friends either. It feels impossible to save when so many activities in Sammamish require opening my wallet.
While the Town Center development promises new restaurants and entertainment, it will not address the need for affordable social spaces for Sammamish youth. Commercial spaces naturally cater to paying customers, which creates pressure for kids to spend just to hang out. While more choices are exciting for everyone in Sammamish, a teen center would fill a different need entirely. It could provide a safe space to be creative, relax without the expectation to spend and build social networks.
The recently closed Central Washington University (CWU) Sammamish campus presents an ideal solution. Located between Eastlake and Skyline high schools, it is a central meetup spot that most teens could walk to after school. This may even help reduce the traffic concerns in Sammamish during peak hours.
Since it was once a school campus, there are lots of classrooms and common areas to utilize. Former classrooms could become activity rooms for gaming, art projects, or study groups. Larger common areas could serve as hangout spaces. This would be a great way for the city to provide a community service while repurposing a valuable space rather than letting it sit empty.
Though an entirely free space for teens would be a significant undertaking, funding may come from city budget allocations, community fundraising, local business sponsorships, and youth program grants. Additionally, many successful teen centers operate through municipal-nonprofit partnerships.
The Garage in Issaquah is an example of a successful teen center. It offers free mental health services, a full espresso bar, and snacks in numerous lounging spaces.
“It’s very welcoming. I’ve met kids from Gibson, IHS, and other schools—even homeschooled kids who don’t really get a chance to hang out with other teens their age,” said Ember Woodruff, a Gibson Ek High School alum.
Vidhur Prabhu, a senior in high school and current Redmond Teen Advisory Board member, lives near the recently closed Old Firehouse that served as the Redmond teen center. It burned down earlier this year, but has relocated to Marymoor. Prabhu explained what made the Firehouse special;
“The fact that it was just for teens was paramount. It was the keystone aspect of the Firehouse’s existence. You have the young spirit there, which we don’t really get anywhere else,” he said.
Additionally, a teen center could be a chaos relief for adults in Sammamish who are tired of competing for space with socializing teens.
“I’ve heard people saying they don’t want to go to Starbucks or Met Market at ‘that time of day’ just because it’s so packed with teens,” said KayLee Jaech, 57, who not only grew up in Sammamish but raised her kids here.
The teen center could encourage meaningful friendships across various schools and social groups, while giving parents peace of mind knowing exactly where their kids are spending time. Instead of teens scattered across numerous locations throughout Sammamish, Issaquah and Redmond, a central hub could create the sense of community, ownership and belonging that is currently lacking.
Support the development of a Sammamish teen center by contacting City Council members. Teens interested in helping build a Garage in Sammamish, like the one in Issaquah, can contact Tiana Parry, The Garage’s Program Director, at tiana@issaquahteencafe.org.
