As of May 2026, the City of Kirkland continues to pursue the purchase of the former LDS Church at 13220 NE 132nd Street. The 3.28-acre property includes a 15,635-square-foot building that is ideally suited for community use. The City plans to use the property to offer enrichment and recreation opportunities, including by opening a community center in the existing structure.
Although the specific uses are still under consideration, the new community center could expand access to high-demand indoor recreation programs, including art, music, preschool, and sports programs. The property could provide potential expansion of parks amenities at a future date, including a potential gym or a pool. Portions of the property could also be considered for affordable housing.
The purchase brings strong long-term potential for expanded parks and recreation facilities. The existing structure is large enough to accommodate an approximately 8,000-square-foot gymnasium while still preserving space for community services and programming within the building’s classrooms. The site is similarly well-suited to support a standalone facility of comparable size, such as a separate gymnasium or even an indoor pool should the City pursue additional aquatics capacity in the future.
Community Benefits
Recreation and Community Access
- Provide enrichment opportunities and recreation services in Kirkland’s most underserved neighborhood
- Offer programs and services for youth, teens, adults, and older adults
- Address high community demand and limited space for recreation programs across all age groups, especially for indoor space-dependent programs
- Reduce waitlists for programs and services at Kirkland’s Parks and community centers
- Present opportunities to support adult sports leagues, indoor pickleball, and provide a reliable indoor venue for summer sports camps during periods of inclement weather
- Offer specialized programs and activities that require dedicated equipment, storage, or rooms, such as tumbling, music, and preschool activities
- Potential to expand aquatic access with the addition of an indoor swimming pool