ELWAS member, Jim Gallup, conducted the initial First Sunday Wildlife Tour on June 2, 1985. The Juanita Bay Ranger program sprung from these meager beginnings. Because of the work of Jim Gallup, and that of many others, Juanita Bay Park was eventually saved as a City Park, and dedicated as such in December, 1992.

Since that time ELWAS has been very active at the Park, working on restoration projects, leading bird walks, installing nest boxes and holding events there. In 1992 ELWAS celebrated Earth Day at Juanita Bay Park, leading bird walks and offering kids activities. In 1997, ELWAS paid for and installed an Osprey Platform in Juanita Bay, to encourage osprey to next at the Park.  From 1999 through 2003 ELWAS partnered with the City of Kirkland and held Osprey Day celebrations at Juanita Bay Park. These events brought hundreds of wildlife enthusiasts from around the region to enjoy the birds and other wildlife.

Juanita Bay Park’s master plan of 1998, developed by the City of Kirkland, sets the Park aside as a passive wildlife park for wildlife preservation, and one of its goals is the protection of wildlife. Juanita Bay Park is specifically mentioned in the Comprehensive Park, Open Space and Recreation Plan of 2001 as an example of the City of Kirkland’s commitment to managing and protecting the park system’s natural and fragile resources. In the Juanita Bay Park Vegetation Plan, that same year, the park is referred to as a sanctuary and a refuge.

We consider Juanita Bay Park to be a very special place, unique among parks in Kirkland and on the entire Eastside. Now, ELWAS is again asking the City for a change at Juanita Bay Park. We are asking the City to change the Park’s name to “Juanita Bay Wildlife Refuge”. We think the name change better describes this special place and will focus a greater emphasis on the unique habitats found there. We are not asking for any other change or designation at the Park, we do not want to see the authorized uses changed or a change in Park visitors, but want to differentiate Juanita Bay Park from Juanita Beach Park and minimize confusion based on their similar names. Juanita Bay Park is a gem on Lake Washington, and Juanita Bay is a cove protected from rough weather, which is essential for wintering birds. Birders, wildlife watchers, picnickers, neighbors, and walkers all enjoy the Park, as well as birds, amphibians, muskrats, beaver, and otter. Let's honor this wild park with a new name.

Please submit your comments on the proposal to rename the Park prior to the Kirkland Park Board’s meeting on March 12.  Comments may be submitted to:

City of Kirkland Parks and Community Services Department

505 Market Street, Suite A

Kirkland, WA 98033

emailed to Michael Cogle, Park Planning Manager at mcogle@ci.kirkland.wa.us

or presented at the Board meeting. 

After its consideration of public comments, the Board will make a recommendation to the City Council.