Kirkland Invites Community to Shape Potential Parks Ballot Measure

Published on April 27, 2023

Kelly Curtis PFEC Video Still

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

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City of Kirkland has published an online survey on expanded aquatics, parks, open spaces and recreational opportunities in Kirkland.  Community members can access the survey at https://cityofkirkland.research.net/r/KirklandParksSurvey now through May 11.  Feedback from the community will help inform the City Council’s decision on whether to move forward with placing a measure on the ballot to create an aquatics and recreation center, more open space and trails, expanded recreation programs, and parks facilities.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from our community that they want the City to accelerate the timeline on growing our park facilities and recreation opportunities,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Kelli Curtis.  “The Parks Funding Exploratory Committee made its recommendation for a November 2023 ballot measure, and now we want to hear from you.”

In September 2022, the City Council convened 45 Kirkland community members from all walks of life to spend six months learning about Kirkland’s parks and recreation system and develop a potential parks ballot measure to enhance programs and facilities.  In March 2023, PFEC recommended that Council consider the following items for a potential parks and recreation ballot measure:

  • One or more indoor aquatics and recreation spaces that could include recreation and lap pools, a multi-court gym, wellness and fitness classes, a community gathering space.
  • Year-round restrooms at selected parks throughout Kirkland, including three parks that currently don’t have any restrooms.
  • New sport courts for pickleball, tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball.
  • Longer daily lifeguard hours and extended lifeguard season at beaches in Kirkland and water safety programs.
  • Expanded youth recreation programs including group hikes, teen nights, after-school programs, and investment in the Kirkland Teen Union Building operations.
  • Purchase of green space in northwest Kirkland to develop Green Loop trail segments.

“PFEC’s recommendations build on the thousands of community members who participated in the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan update process in 2022,” said Parks and Community Services Director Lynn Zwaagstra. “Goal #1 in the PROS Plan is to ‘expand the provision of high-quality park experiences to meet the active and passive recreation needs of the Kirkland community’. Take this survey to add your perspective about how to do that.”

Kirkland community members are invited to participate in the online survey. The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and closes on May 11, 2023. Take the survey at https://cityofkirkland.research.net/r/KirklandParksSurvey.

For more information about the potential parks ballot measure and to sign up for updates, visit: www.kirklandwa.gov/DiveInNow.

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