Officials from the City of Kirkland and the Seattle Kraken announced plans Wednesday for a new two-rink facility: the Kraken Iceplex (Kirkland) and Community Center. Construction is scheduled to begin in May, with the project expected to open in fall 2027. The initiative, first proposed in late 2023, is a public-private partnership intended to expand access to ice sports and recreational opportunities while adding a modern community center—all without introducing new taxes.
Governor Bob Ferguson attended the announcement and highlighted the broader impact such collaborations can have. Drawing on his familiarity with the existing Kraken Community Iceplex in Northgate, he said:
“I live just a few blocks from the facility. I’ve seen first-hand the huge impact of the surrounding area. It makes a huge, huge difference for the exposure to kids who can use that facility and for the community as well. I’m excited to see this come to life here [in Kirkland] for this really incredible community. It’s great to be the governor of a state where you see private and public partnerships like this happen on a scale that can really transform the community with no taxpayer dollars.”
The planned facility will be located at the former Houghton Park & Ride site and will operate year-round, serving as a hub for recreation and community activities.
The amenities include:
- Two NHL-regulation ice rinks
- A city-operated community center
- A public restaurant
- A Kraken team store
- Multipurpose spaces designed for events, classes, and local programming.
Additionally, Kirkland residents will have access to select free public skating sessions each month.
Programming at the Iceplex will span a wide range of interests and skill levels. Offerings are expected to include learn-to-skate and hockey classes, recreational leagues for adults, youth hockey programs, tournaments, and figure skating training. Public skating sessions will be available regularly, with options such as themed events and sensory-friendly hours. Organizers also plan to incorporate educational initiatives, including school field trips and career exploration opportunities, as well as financial assistance to support participation among lower-income families.
In addition to recreational benefits, the project is expected to contribute approximately $7 million annually to the local economy, supporting businesses and activity across Kirkland and the surrounding Eastside communities.
