$8.35 Million Renovation Of 132nd Square Park Begins In July

KIRKLAND, WA — Construction crews will begin an overhaul of 132nd Square Park in July, aiming to complete a series of upgrades within a year. The Kirkland City Council recently awarded the $8.35 million project to Allied Construction, which will build a new playground, walking trail, restroom, multi-use field and picnic shelters, along with expanding parking and drop-off zones.

The new field will be equipped with lighting and covered dugouts, and the all-abilities playground will have swings, a zip-line, a sledding hill and instruments. Contractors will salvage the old playground equipment for use at another park.

City officials said the upgraded park will be Kirkland's first to have a synthetic, multi-use field, replacing "frequently mussy" grass with high-quality turf for use in all seasons. Contractors will also install a concrete vault under the field that will absorb and treat surface water runoff, which will benefit waterways between Kingsgate and Lake Washington.

"By the fall of 2022, the Kirkland community will be able to use a lighted, synthetic, multi-use field year-round," said Kirkland City Councilmember Toby Nixon. "This project builds a valuable asset for the entire Kirkland community, and also responds to what local residents expressed for their vision of this park during the master planning process."

Originally, city officials planned to complete the upgrades in phases but ultimately decided to do it all in one go to avoid repeated disruptions. The park will remain closed from July 1 until the project is completed.

"We're extremely happy to be able to meet the community's enthusiasm to have the 132nd Square Park redevelopment built at one time to be enjoyed for years to come," said John Lloyd, deputy director of Kirkland's Park and Community Services Department.

While the park is closed, the city has leased a nearby parcel from the King County Housing Authority, where visitors can enjoy a large grassy area and a basketball court.

Learn more about the 132nd Square Park renovations on the city of Kirkland website.