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Jason Feiler reflects on 35 years leading Kirkland parks operations
Summary
Jason Feiler, newly promoted parks superintendent, recounted his three-decade career with the City of Kirkland, highlighted long-running programs and a water-rights purchase that reduced the parks’ potable-water costs.
Jason Feiler, parks superintendent for the City of Kirkland, described a 35-year career with the city and cited long-running operational projects that he said have saved the city money and supported waterfront parks.
Feiler, who told podcast hosts he was hired as a seasonal employee in 1990 and later earned an MBA, emphasized continuity and practical problem-solving in parks work. “Ive been here since 1990. Hired as a seasonal kid back in 1990,” Feiler said on the March 27 episode of the citys official podcast.
Feiler said one notable project was the citys purchase of a water right from a local water district. He said the city acquired 44 acre-feet of water (which he described as about 14,000,000 gallons) in perpetuity for roughly $40,000, and that using that water to irrigate waterfront parks has saved the city a six-figure amount in annual potable-water costs compared with buying an equivalent volume through the potable system. “We were able to purchase 44 acre feet of water ... for about $40,000 and, in perpetuity, which means that we use that water every single year forever,” Feiler said.
Feiler described operational details: the intake and pumps are installed under waterfront docks to move the lake water for irrigation, and the system uses power and maintenance but avoids drawing potable drinking water for landscape irrigation. He said the arrangement also has environmental benefits because the water is taken from Lake Washington near its outflow and reused for nonpotable irrigation needs.
The conversation also covered Feilers path from seasonal worker to full-time employee and then to management, including his time maintaining lawns, tending trees, managing pools and serving as the citys cemetery sexton. He recounted that the cemetery work was among the most difficult duties because of the personal nature of cemetery services.
Hosts also asked Feiler about unusual incidents and memorable moments on the job, including encounters with wildlife and a story he told about reuniting a family with cremated remains that had washed ashore. Feiler said he responded to the call, located the funeral home from writing on the box, and returned the ashes to the family.
Feiler closed by encouraging listeners to consider careers in parks operations at an upcoming job fair and by describing the department as a place with many seasonal and year-round opportunities.
