Imagine the Future of Kirkland’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

Published on June 04, 2021

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Media Contact:
Joy Johnston
Interim Communications Program Manager
jjohnston@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City of Kirkland is seeking public input in order to update the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan which is a six-year guide and strategic plan for managing and enhancing park and recreation services. The City will be hosting focus groups, interviews, community workshops and survey opportunities throughout 2021, including a virtual public forum on Thursday, June 17 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

The PROS Plan provides a vision for Kirkland’s park and recreation system and establishes a path forward for providing high quality, community-driven parks, trails, open spaces and recreational opportunities for Kirkland’s residents, employees and visitors now and into the future. The PROS plan was last updated in 2015 and needs to be fully updated to reflect substantial growth and changes in the community and to the park system. A community needs assessment, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) evaluation and transition plan, and a synthetic turf strategic plan will also be integrated into the plan update.

“This is an important opportunity to come together as a community to envision and plan Kirkland’s park system and recreation opportunities,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Neal Black. “How do you play in Kirkland? How can we ensure that our parks, trails, open spaces, and recreational facilities and programs are accessible to all?  We encourage everyone to get involved in this process and play it forward for Kirkland’s parks, recreation and open spaces.”

The comprehensive parks, recreation and open space master plan will look at the existing parks, recreational facilities, programs, and services, to determine the current and future level of services for the community based on public input.  The plan will prioritize the needs and desires for upgrading and improving parks, recreational facilities, athletic fields, amenities, programs, and services.   The City of Kirkland has hired GreenPlay, LLC, a nationally known parks and recreation management consulting firm, to oversee the plan.

“We are excited to embark on this process with the community,” said Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaagstra. “Together we can imagine and plan the future of Kirkland’s 600 acres of parkland and open spaces, park and community facilities, and recreational programming. It is in these spaces where we play, where we reconnect with nature, where we renew our sense of wonder, and where we come together to enjoy friends, family and life.”

For more information about the PROS Plan, opportunities to provide input, and to sign up for updates, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/PlayItForward.

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