Parks across Kirkland are looking a little more vibrant thanks to the work of dozens of volunteers.

The city worked with the United Way of King County and employers, including Microsoft and AT&T, to coordinate this year’s Day of Caring projects at sites including Juanita Beach Park, Watershed Park, the Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail and Everest Park. The work included removing weeds, mulching and applying storm drain markers.

“We post the projects we have needs for,” Patrick Tefft, Kirkland’s volunteer services coordinator, said, adding the volunteers then choose the projects they want to participate in. “Most years (including this year), we get 100 percent of our projects adopted.”

The Day of Caring event was held across King County on Friday, with 13,000 volunteers pitching in to help their communities, according to Jared Erlandson, director of communications for United Way of King County. The event has been held in the county since 1992.

“It’s a way to engage communities with non-profits,” Erlandson said. “Plus, we know people want to be hands-on.”

Mike Metteer, senior maintenance staff at the Kirkland Parks Department, oversaw a group of Microsoft employees removing invasive plants in Juanita Beach Park.

“I’m always impressed with how much they can do in a day,” he said.

For those interested in other Kirkland volunteer opportunities, there will be a Viva Volunteers Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Peter Kirk Community Center, where people can learn about one-time and ongoing needs in the area. For more information, call 425-587-3322.