Kirkland, Kraken Unveil Plan for Two-Rink Iceplex and Community Center

Kirkland and the Seattle Kraken announced a private-public project to build a two-rink Kraken Iceplex and a city community center on the former Houghton Park & Ride site, breaking ground in May and aiming to open in fall 2027. The facility will feature two NHL-regulation rinks, a public restaurant, Kraken Team Store, a city-run center, and space for programs and events, with residents gaining access to free public-skate sessions and Kraken Foundation programs. Officials say the project will grow hockey participation, expand youth and adult programming, and boost the Eastside economy (about $7 million annually) without taxpayer dollars.