Kirkland Parks Project

The Kirkland Parks Challenge

Kirkland's parks are the backbone of our community. They are our shared backyards, the places where we celebrate milestones, connect with nature, and build memories that last a lifetime. Like many of you, I've spent countless hours in our parks. I’ve helped remove invasive species and replaced them with native trees and shrubs as a volunteer for the Green Kirkland Partnership. I've pushed swings at neighborhood tot lots, strolled along the waterfront trails, and gathered with friends and neighbors for community events. These spaces are not just lines on a map to me, they are a cherished part of my life in this city, as I know they are for you.

That’s why I am taking on a challenge to visit every single park in Kirkland before Election Day.

This isn't a journey of discovery. For me, this is a journey of reaffirmation. It's about revisiting these vital community spaces with a fresh perspective and a specific purpose: to listen and to ensure that as our city grows, our commitment to our incredible park system grows with it. From the sprawling beauty of Bridle Trails and Juanita Bay to the smallest neighborhood pocket park, each green space is a critical thread in the fabric of our city. By visiting every one, I am renewing my commitment to serve every resident and every neighborhood. I’ll make a short video at each one so you can follow along!

My Priorities for Our Parks

Our parks are a legacy we must protect and enhance for future generations. As your councilmember, I will focus on:

  • Ensuring Safety and Cleanliness: Our parks must be safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone, at all times.

  • Investing in Maintenance: We must properly fund the upkeep of our existing parks, from repairing playground equipment to maintaining our beautiful natural trails and waterfronts.

  • Accessibility for All: I will work to ensure our parks are accessible and enjoyable for residents of all ages and abilities, including seniors and those with disabilities.

  • Smart Growth & Future Planning: As Kirkland evolves, we must be proactive in preserving green space and developing new parks that meet the needs of our growing community.

  • Enhancing Community Programs: Supporting the recreational and community-building programs that bring our parks to life.

Let's Talk About Our Parks

I'll be fitting in my park visits whenever I have a spare moment. If you see me out and about in a park, please don't hesitate to come say hello! I would genuinely love to take a moment to chat about what you love about your park and what you'd like to see improved.

I'll be posting short videos from the parks as I visit them. You can follow my journey on my social media channels and using this YouTube playlist. I also invite you to share your own stories and priorities with me directly.

Share your park story and tell me what's important to you.

Together, we can ensure that Kirkland's greatest public asset—our incredible system of parks—only gets better with time.

Join the Challenge: Explore Our Parks!

This journey of appreciation isn't just for me, it's for all of us. I believe every resident should have the chance to experience the full breadth of our city's wonderful park system.

To help, I've created a complete checklist of Kirkland's public parks. I invite you and your family to use it to track your own adventures. See how many you can visit! It's a great activity for kids and a perfect way for adults to discover some hidden gems you may have never known about.

Download your free Kirkland Parks Checklist (PDF) and start exploring!