Carmin Dalziel, the foundation's executive director

For the Love of Kirkland: A Night of Community, Creativity, and Connection

Date: April 10, 2025
Location: Lake Washington High School
Hosted by: Kirkland Community Foundation

A Community Comes Together

On April 10, more than 100 Kirkland neighbors came together to celebrate what they love about our city—and imagine bold new ways to make it even better.

Led by nationally acclaimed placemaking expert and author Peter Kageyama, this high-energy event was designed to spark creativity, deepen connections, and remind us all why we love where we live.

Inspired by Peter’s books For the Love of Cities, Love Where You Live, and The Emotional Infrastructure of Places, the workshop gave residents, local leaders, and business owners a platform to dream, connect, and build together.

What is Placemaking?

Placemaking is the idea that great communities don’t just happen—they’re created by the people who live in them. It’s about fostering identity, belonging, and connection between people and the places they call home.

What We Heard

Over 50 participants shared what they love about Kirkland. Highlights included:

Edith Moulton Dog Park
Walkable downtown
Lake access and views
The Cross Kirkland Corridor
Castle Park
And most of all—the people

[Insert Wordle image summarizing responses]

What Makes a Kirklander?

In one hands-on activity, small groups designed custom t-shirts that answered the question: What makes us Kirklanders?

The results were full of pride and playfulness—featuring everything from the Cow & Coyote statue and “Kirkland Signature” puns to creative park maps. A fan favorite? “Park It in Kirkland”—a shirt showcasing a map and list of every park in the city.

A Beer That Tells a Story

Peter then challenged participants to get “a little edgy.” What if we created a Kirkland beer that captured our city’s unique story?

Groups explored our history as a steel-producing town, boat maker, pandemic epicenter, and thriving tech hub. These ideas connected our past to the present—and may just end up in local breweries soon. 🍻

Small Ideas with Big Heart

To wrap the night, each group was asked: What could we do to make Kirkland better—with a budget of $500 or less?

The results were powerful. Here are the top three ideas moving forward:

Eagle Nest Camera at Carillon Woods Park
Status: Funds earmarked; currently reviewing wildlife regulations
Kindness Messages on Crosswalk Flags
Status: Privately funded; working with Public Works to ensure safety
Mural Under I-405 in Totem Lake
Status: KCF is collaborating with Eastrail to identify the location and next steps

What’s Next?

The momentum is real—and we’re building on it. Here’s how you can stay involved and help shape what comes next:

💌 Love Letters to Kirkland

We’re collecting stories, moments, and creative sparks that show how much Kirkland is loved. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a community-driven idea, we want to hear from you.

👉 Share your Love Letter to Kirkland

💡 Got a Really Big Idea?

If you’re dreaming big, the Kirkland Community Foundation may be able to help. Whether it’s an art installation, neighborhood program, or something brand new—we offer:

Visibility and storytelling support
Fundraising tools and donor guidance
Strategic collaboration
Fiscal sponsorship for eligible projects

There’s no limit to our community’s love—or its potential.

👉 Explore Community Project Funds

🎨 Mural in Progress

The energy from this event showed Kirkland is ready for its next public mural. We’re working with Eastrail and local partners to find the perfect spot. More details coming soon!

🤝 Co-Creators & Friends Gathering

Next up: A new kind of get-together.
Stay tuned for our next community-minded gathering—designed to bring co-creators and changemakers together with fresh ideas, new twists, and opportunities to turn inspiration into action.

📅 More Placemaking Ahead

This was just the beginning. More gatherings, workshops, and creative opportunities are in the works. Stay connected and be part of what’s next.

Want to get involved?
Visit kirklandcommunity.org to learn more, sign up for our newsletter, or pitch your own idea.

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Kirkland WA 98033

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Spark Something Good - with the Kirkland Community Foundation

At the Kirkland Community Foundation, we serve as conveners, catalysts, and collaborators - and we know that new ideas need fuel to catch spark. That’s why we’ve created this space to hear from you.

Whether you’re ready to move forward with a community idea that shows the love in Kirkland, are seeking a small Spark Grant to bring something to life, or feel inspired to support a future project - you’re in the right place.

Let us know how you'd like to get involved, and someone from our team will follow up soon. Together, we can spark something good.

First*

Last*

Email*

Best phone number to reach you*

Why are you filling out this form? Check as many as apply.*

To share an idea about a future project that I am planning

To request a spark grant (under $100) to make a project a reality

To make a financial contribution to be applied to a for the love project

To volunteer or offer my skills

To find out more about the Kirkland Community Foundation

Other (add details below)

Please tell us a little more about your idea, the type of projects that would interest you, and/or the skills you’d like to offer, and we’ll follow up soon to discuss. *

Anything else you would like to add? - Stories, dreams or feedback welcome.

HP Name

Community Project Letter of Interest

Kirkland Community Foundation has long served as the hub for successful projects inititated by members of our community, including the Save Our Salmon mural and the Waverly Beach Picnic Shelter. Have an idea for a project? Please complete this form as an initial step in the process, and we'll be in touch!

First*

Last*

Email*

Phone

Street

City

State

ZIP Code

The story behind your idea —

Share what inspired you and what you hope to accomplish. Please include:

A description of your project and why it’s important
Who will benefit and how it will make a difference
Any partners, volunteers, or organizations involved
How this project aligns with KCF’s mission and areas of impact
Whether there are any time-sensitive elements
Let us know what type of support you’re seeking: visibility, fundraising assistance, strategic guidance, or fiscal sponsorship. If requesting fundraising or fiscal sponsorship, please include an estimated budget or cost of the project.

Upload a document (PDF, DOC OR DOCX only) with your projects story here Upload a file or drag and drop. pdf, doc, docx up to 15MB

Write in your project's story here (if you didn't upload a document above)

HP Name

Thank you for your interest in serving on our board of directors.

We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals who share a strong commitment to the Kirkland community to join our board of directors. Board members play a vital role in shaping the organization's direction and ensuring its long-term success. Please complete the following form to express your interest in serving on our board. We are dedicated to the commitment that our board should reflect the diversity of our community.

First*

Last*

Email*

Phone*

Mailing Address*

Any social media accounts you're comfortable sharing

Occupation

Company

Why are you interested in serving on the KCF board?*

What skills and experience do you bring that would be valuable to the board?*

How much time are you able to commit to board service?*

What are your areas of particular interest within the organization's work?

LinkedIn profile

Have you served on the board of a nonprofit organization before?*

Yes

Which organization?

How many years of service?

Did you serve on any board committees?

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your interest in serving on the board?

HP Name

Please reach out to us with any inquiries or comments. We'd love to hear from you.

First*

Last*

Email*

Phone

Comments*

HP Name

For the Love of Kirkland: A Night of Community, Creativity, and Connection

A Community Comes Together

What is Placemaking?

What We Heard

What Makes a Kirklander?

A Beer That Tells a Story

Small Ideas with Big Heart

What’s Next?

💌 Love Letters to Kirkland

💡 Got a Really Big Idea?

🎨 Mural in Progress

🤝 Co-Creators & Friends Gathering

📅 More Placemaking Ahead

Spark Something Good - with the Kirkland Community Foundation

Community Project Letter of Interest

The story behind your idea —

Workshop Registration

Thank you for your interest in serving on our board of directors.

Please reach out to us with any inquiries or comments. We'd love to hear from you.