Kirkland holds groundbreaking ceremony at Juanita Beach Park

Construction on renovations is likely to conclude in the late summer.

By Blake Peterson • February 3, 2020 8:30 am

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Juanita Beach Park on Jan. 27 to commemorate the upcoming construction work at the site.

In the area, work on several renovations — a couple of picnic pavilions, an accessible playground and a new bathhouse — is set to begin soon. According to the city, construction will likely be completed by late summer.

“Juanita Beach Park is one of our most-used parks in Kirkland,” Mayor Penny Sweet said at the event. “It provides everyone access to beautiful Lake Washington and an opportunity to appreciate nature, to enjoy the cool water on a warm day, to play volleyball, to take a stroll or buy fresh fruit and veggies at the Friday market.”

She noted that the renovations make for one of the city’s last major investments included in the voter-approved 2012 parks levy — which, according to the city website, raises $2.35 million annually (beginning in 2013) to fund parks-related improvements in Kirkland.

“This project would not be possible without the support of our community. Neighbors, community members and stakeholders spent countless hours working with the city staff and leadership to articulate a vision and a design of the park that reflects the needs of all of our community,” Sweet said.

Lynn Zwaagstra, director of parks and community services, also spoke at the groundbreaking, and specifically discussed what upgrades to expect.

“I’m proud to be part of the team to complete this project and I look forward to hosting a big beach celebration at the grand reopening later this summer,” Zwaagstra said toward the end of her speech.

After she spoke, city councilmembers, staff and members of the park board grabbed shovels and participated in the groundbreaking ritual.

Visitors to the park will still be able to access key amenities like volleyball courts, paths and trails. The city stated in a press release that if there are any closures, they will be communicated on Kirkland’s social media channels.

The far western section of the site’s parking lot, however, will be closed throughout the construction period, and the Juanita Beach Friday market will be held on the northern side of the park on Northeast Juanita Drive.

To learn more project details, go to bit.ly/JuanitaBeachRenovation.