The proposed ARC community center will draw users from well outside Kirkland. I do not believe the new Snohomish aquatic recreation center, with similar services and easy egress, is anywhere near financially self supporting. Nor do they have proximity of users from Bothell, Woodinville and Redmond.

Of course the elevated deck and dining space with catering kitchen and views you will be offering across from Juanita Beach will attract renters from further reaches. Of course, this will remove some opportunities for Kirkland tax payers to use the facility. Also clear will be financial obstruction to future deck in restaurant operator planning to build south of Hector’s or new owners of Heathman Hotel.

The site majority of users prefer is Juanita Beach, which already has voters approval for a complete makeover, no longer open tree line. Both this site, and North Kirkland Community Center (NKCC) off Northeast 124th, have totally inaccurate traffic studies, especially school swim team buses and their times associated with freeway access concentrations.

The NKCC site has all services needed for a pool and double gym and has no means of adding to commercial income because the undersized site is tucked into a residential neighborhood. The cost of operation outside of user fees is so insignificant, planning addition of single 3/4 size indoor basketball court, is all this north Juanita neighborhood can support.

If the development of this recreation center is to compete with and support commercial businesses, why not accept there are two school districts and three parks departments that should share in construction bond and likely operational revenue. Do not make this sole obligation of Kirkland but consider a site in Wood-Red valley.

John Putt, Kirkland