Author: Francesca Lyman

The pool is ‘on pause,’ for now, Kirkland’s Director of Parks told a group of 50 or so residents convened for Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance’s general meeting November 19th. The city is looking at an array of new potential site options in response to residents’ objections to two sites in Juanita’s neighborhood. Jenny Schroeder, Director of Parks, presented a thorough review of the status and history of the proposed Aquatic, Recreation and Community Center (ARC) for Kirkland. All points in the presentation can be found on the city’s ARC site www.kirklandwa.gov/kirklandarc.org. There was a good round of questions from the audience on traffic, site location, usage of current parks, and exploring commercial building sites, particularly in Totem Lake. Karen Lightfelt of the Juanita Neighborhood Association presented their opposition to siting the Aquatic Center on behalf of the Juanita Beach parkland. The November neighborhood meeting also sailed smoothly through a number of other issues, including the Board election.  All six members up for re-election were re-elected to the board: Kurt Brunnenkant, Jeanette Leach, Ted McCagg, Scott Morris, Mathew Pruitt, Kathy Schuler. The Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance Board presented 2014 highlights from the Annual Report.  The 2014 annual report is available here. Policy Committee highlights included an overview of the board’s involvement with the new fire station; engagement with the city and county on acquiring undeveloped land adjacent to Juanita Heights Park, and...