In early November, the developers of the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC) received an award for work done throughout the trail’s planning process. The award recognized the graphics included in the CKC Master Plan, which were designed with the specific goal of making the information intuitive and transparent for Kirkland residents.

The American Society of Landscape Architects, Washington Chapter (WASLA) recognized the efforts of the city and the landscape architectural group, Berger Partnership, both of whom worked closely with the community during the analysis and planning process. The goal of doing so was to ensure any future development to the CKC addresses public and stakeholder input, that the trail functions properly, and that the plan’s implementation will lead to community development and an increased quality of life for trail users and residents.

“After working so hard with the City of Kirkland and its residents to shape the Cross Kirkland Corridor Master Plan, we are thrilled to have our collective effort recognized as being worthy of an award,” said Berger Principal Guy Michaelsen. “The city was visionary in acquiring, planning and opening up the corridor with the interim trail, and we are excited to see the master plan further implemented as the CKC becomes ever-more integrated into the life of the city as a connection and a destination.”

The WASLA is the professional society that represents the landscape architecture profession in the state. The organization aims to “lead, to educate and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning and artful design of our cultural and natural environments.” When making a decision, the WASLA jury commented that the master plan’s “graphic organization of the submittal provided a clear vision of the project and the allowed the jury to understand the steps necessary for a successful implementation.”

The CKC Master Plan, which was adopted by the Kirkland City Council in June 2014, has four goals: to connect Kirkland, foster a greener Kirkland, shape a place unique to Kirkland, and to activate Kirkland and evolve over time. The plan outlines the community’s vision for the trail and it will be used to guide future development. To view an interactive version and to see the graphics that led to this award or to download a PDF version, visit the CKC Master Plan webpage at kirklandwa.gov.

While honored to have received the award, Michaelsen mentioned that “the greatest reward for us has been seeing and experiencing first-hand how quickly the residents and neighborhoods of Kirkland have adopted the CKC as a treasured public space.” For more information, contact Kari Page, CKC coordinator, at ckc@kirklandwa.gov or by phone at (425) 587-3011.

This is taken from a press release from the City of Kirkland.