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| The City took immediate acquisition of Juanita Beach Park following approval of the bond measure |
| North Rose Hill Woodlands Park was designed and built by the neighborhood. |
| Ben Franklin Elementary School’s amphitheater is a unique outdoor classroom. | |
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In November 2002, Kirkland voters affirmed the importance of parks, open space and playfields by approving an $8.4 million bond measure. Thanks to the support of voters, the City has more and better “Kirkland Parks now!”
In 2000, an exploratory committee comprised of interested community members worked with the City’s Parks & Community Services Department to identify the park and open space needs.
The committee recommended to the City Council that a bond measure be placed on the ballot. “Kirkland Parks Now” was the education campaign that helped raise awareness about the bond measure.
Overview of completed park bond projects.
Key facts about the bond:
The $8.4 million bond measure was approved in November 2002 by 64%, included a $670,000 operations/maintenance levy and extends through 2022.
The cost to Kirkland homeowners is about $62 per year for a home assessed (in 2002) at $300,000.
Juanita Beach Park: The park bond included $200,000 for aesthetic and safety-related improvements and a community visioning process that was initiated to guide future improvements.
Carillon Woods Park: In 2004, the City purchased a 9-acre wooded parcel from King County Water District #1 for $4.45 million and transformed the land into Carillon Woods Park, a popular hang out for human and animal life.
North Rosehill Woodlands Park: The bond provided $900,000 for a new picnic shelter, paved pathways and a wetland boardwalk trail.
Playfield improvements: The levy funding provided a $1.85 million investment into playfields and other improvements at several schools. In a cooperative agreement between the City and Lake Washington School District, maintenance is provided by the City in exchange for use of the district’s facilities and playfields for community recreational programming. The following schools received funding from the bond for facility upgrades:
- Kirkland Junior High School
- Juanita Elementary School
- Rose Hill Elementary School
- Franklin Elementary School
Natural areas: The bond provided $1 million to acquire property near the Heronfield Wetlands in South Juanita neighborhood and open space adjacent to the Yarrow Bay Wetlands.