For the Reporter

The City of Auburn will receive $3 million from the state’s new capital budget for a 20,100-square-foot Community & Events Center to be constructed in Les Gove Park.

Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) requested and advocated for the capital budget appropriation on behalf of the City.

“The new Auburn Community & Events Center will truly have something for everyone,” Fain said. “Auburn is a growing and diverse city that deserves quality facilities. This centrally located gathering place will provide new opportunities for kids to learn and play while expanding services to seniors. Increasing access to a variety of classes, events and cultural programs will help grow the sense of community that Auburn has long celebrated.”

City officials said the center will be used for educational, cultural, recreation and social activities as well as large community and trade events. When completed, it will fill a significant need for the southeast King County area, where there are no multi-service, community gathering spaces.

“Auburn is the only city of its size that does not have a community center,” said Mayor Pete Lewis. “Thanks to Sen. Fain, Sen. Pam Roach and the support of many Auburn stakeholders, we are closer to building this important community asset.”

Support letters for the project came from the Muckleshoot Tribal Council, the Auburn Tourism Board, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and Auburn Youth Resources.

Construction of the Community & Events Center will complete the Les Gove Community Campus Master Plan that includes the Auburn Public Library, Auburn Senior Activity Center, White River Valley Museum and the Auburn Activity Center & Gymnasium, which is anticipated to be modified into a Youth/Teen Center upon completion of the future Auburn Community & Events Center.

The City has completed the design phase for the center has been completed.

Total construction cost for the project is $7 million.