City Council Authorizes Parks Funding Exploratory Committee

Published on August 04, 2022

woman playing pickleball, children's playground, and two women swimming in community pool

Media Contact: 
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3021

Community Invited to Apply and Advise on the Future of Kirkland’s Parks System

During its August 3, 2022, meeting, the Kirkland City Council voted unanimously to authorize the creation of a Parks Funding Exploratory Committee (PFEC).  The purpose of the PFEC is to make recommendations to the City Council in Spring 2023 regarding potential parks ballot measure(s) for placement on the November 2023 ballot.

“Our incredible Parks system is loved and valued by our community, and we’ve heard loud and clear that they want the City to expand our parks and trails, our facilities, and recreation opportunities to serve the diverse interests and needs of our community,” said Councilmember and PFEC Chair Kelli Curtis.  “The PFEC will help guide the Council on how the City can best deliver on what the community wants, and we need a range of viewpoints to get it right.”

The PFEC will consist of 30-50 dedicated community members from throughout Kirkland. Committee volunteers will meet once or twice a month from September 2022 through February 2023 to review potential parks investments and ballot funding mechanisms.  The recommendations made to the City Council will include what investments to include and how to structure any potential ballot measure(s).

The City seeks community members who represent a variety of interests and activity groups, including but not limited to: 

  • aquatics teams/clubs
  • sports groups (indoor, outdoor field, outdoor court, and informal sports)
  • recreation activities (art, dance, fitness, outdoor)
  • community service clubs
  • small business owners
  • homeowners and renters
  • affordable housing provider or resident
  • parents and guardians of children of all ages

The City seeks applicants that reflect Kirkland’s diversity of age, economic status, neighborhood, family composition, policy perspective, languages spoken, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, and physical, mental or sensory ability. Interested community members are invited to apply online through August 25, 2022.

To learn more about the potential ballot measure(s), the PFEC committee, and how to apply, go to www.kirklandwa.gov/parks2023ballot

 

 

 

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