KIRKLAND, Wash. — The Seattle Kraken have submitted a proposal to build a new community iceplex in Kirkland.
The proposed site of the complex is at the old Houghton Park and Ride near Interstate 405 and Northeast 70th Place.
While the plans are not yet official, a Kraken spokesperson said the team is considering building a new facility due to "remarkable growth" in youth hockey participation in the region. The Kirkland location would provide additional time for community members of all ages to learn how to skate and play hockey.
This would be the team's second community iceplex. The Kraken Community Iceplex in Seattle's Northgate neighborhood will still be the team's headquarters, a spokesperson said.
The Northgate complex opened in September 2021. The $90 million, 172,000-square-foot facility welcomed more than 1 million people in its first year alone. Since then, officials said the facility has hosted more than 250 community events and 30 field trips, serving 5,000 students.
The Kirkland building would have two ice rinks, locker rooms, offices and retail space.
The Kirkland City Council is also considering other proposals for the space, including pickleball courts, a skate park and community garden plots.
The City of Kirkland told KING 5, "No decisions are likely to be made in the near future."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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