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Kirkland council unanimously approves purchase of 1.5-acre Juanita Bay parcel for parks
Summary
The Kirkland City Council voted unanimously Nov. 18 to buy a 1.5-acre parcel abutting Juanita Bay Park for $1,275,000, citing ecological value, century trees and improved trail and community-garden opportunities. The seller will complete minor dwelling improvements before a planned short-term lease in early 2026.
The Kirkland City Council voted unanimously Nov. 18 to authorize the city manager to buy a 1.5-acre parcel adjacent to Juanita Bay Park for $1,275,000.
Mariah Murphy, the city’s planning and development manager for parks, told council the property contains streams, wetlands and several high‑retention trees, including specimens she said are more than 100 years old. Murphy said the city would ask the seller to complete limited improvements to the existing dwellings so the houses can be leased in early 2026 to provide a short‑term revenue stream while staff work on long‑term park uses.
Councilmember Sweet moved the resolution authorizing the purchase; Tim Chisholm seconded. Mayor Kelly Curtis told council she would support the acquisition, calling it “a great opportunity to expand our park space and our open space.” The motion passed with all members voting in favor.
City staff said short‑term plans include tree and habitat maintenance and about 3,000 square feet of community gardens (roughly 20 plots), while longer‑term ideas include extending trail connections north–south through the Juanita neighborhood and repurposing the existing house for public use or a seasonal ranger outpost. Staff told council the seller expects to close by Nov. 26 and has a deadline of March 2, 2026, to finish the minor dwelling improvements.
The council did not attach conditions beyond standard environmental and title processes; funding for the purchase was largely drawn from park impact fees with a smaller general‑fund contribution, which staff said will approximate a 90/10 split. The council vote followed Murphy’s presentation and a brief exchange about funds and program plans. The city will now complete closing steps and notify neighbors about the project timeline.
Resolution: The council approved Resolution 57‑01 authorizing the city manager to execute a real estate purchase and sale agreement and to use park impact fees and general‑fund cash to finance the acquisition.
