Parks, Recreation, and Open Space
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element
Kirkland's parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces provide an essential outlet for the continued health and well-being of those that live, work, and play here. The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element (Parks Element) supports the continued provision of accessible and well-maintained parks and recreation facilities for both current and future community members. The Parks Element also promotes conservation of publicly owned natural areas and environmental education.
The Parks and Community Services Department uses the Parks Element as a guiding document. The Parks Element sets overarching goals and policies for the City's parks and recreation system.
Relationship between the Comprehensive Plan and the PROS Plan
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan is the City's guide and strategic plan for managing and enhancing Kirkland's park and recreation system. While there is some overlap with the Parks Element of the Comprehensive Plan, the PROS Plan in a functional plan with a greater focus on implementation. The PROS Plan is updated every 6 years and was last updated in 2022.
2044 Update: Parks Element Topics
Below is a list of Parks Element study issues, confirmed by the Planning Commission and City Council at a joint meeting in July 2023. The draft incorporates revisions that address the issues in the following list:
- Ensure consistency with the 2022 PROS Plan
- Support equitable distribution of parks and recreation opportunities throughout the City
- Improve Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility at City parks and recreation facilities
- Improve pedestrian/bicycle/transit connections to parks
- Preserve and enhance the tree canopy
- Increase the resiliency of the City's parks, open spaces, and natural areas to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing climate
The draft revised Parks Element goals and policies are available in the menu below.
4 Result(s) Found
Staff held focus groups for the Parks Element and Sustainability, Climate, and Environment (SCE) Element in March and April of 2023.
Draft versions of the updated Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element Goals and Policies will be posted below as they are developed by City staff and discussed by Planning Commission and City Council.
Parks Element presentations and corresponding staff memos.