The boat launch at Lake Sammamish State Park  ­— the only public launching spot on the popular urban lake near Issaquah ­­— has been substantially upgraded. State and local officials — and park users — will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting on July 18 at 9 a.m.

 The boat launch’s dock has been extended farther into the lake making it usable year-round (despite fluctuating water levels) and metal piers replace wood. The boat-launch area, which is off East Lake Sammamish Parkway, also has a new vehicle-lane configuration and is accessible to people with disabilities.

 Before you go racing off to launch your power boat or Jet Ski, remember you need to pay. Here’s the word on fees from Washington State Parks:

“Boaters paying by the day are required to purchase a $7 watercraft launch permit and also display the Discover Pass ($10 one-day, $30 annual.) Those who purchase an annual watercraft launch permit (Natural Investment Permit) for $80 may launch year-round at state park watercraft launches and do not need to show a Discover Pass to visit state parks.”

If you want to get involved in improving/supporting the park, see the Facebook page of the Friends of Lake Sammamish, a community group.