Who We Are
The Juanita Neighborhood Association (JNA) is one of thirteen nonprofit neighborhood associations in Kirkland, WA. We are community members who are committed to improving Juanita by hosting neighborhood events, engaging residents in local affairs, and working with the city government to enhance the livability of the area.
About Juanita
The Juanita neighborhood is the largest neighborhood in the City of Kirkland. Juanita boasts gorgeous parks, lake views, trails, well-established communities, tree-lined streets, and thriving businesses. There are new development projects and signs of growth are everywhere. We continue to attract new residents and businesses who are looking for a very special place to live. Whether you are looking for a unique local coffee shop, a world famous restaurant, a fabulous dog park, great schools for your kids, or a thriving farmer's market, you will find it here. We are a neighborhood rich in diversity and history. Welcome to Juanita!
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What We Do
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Coordinate with the City of Kirkland on issues affecting parks, housing, transportation, public services, human services, economic development, sustainability, land use, utilities, and capital facilities.
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Host events to bring Juanita together, including our annual Welcome to Juanita Picnic, our annual Summer Picnic, garden tours, JNA general body meetings, and more!
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Support youth leadership in our neighborhood through the Student Community Service award, given to a Juanita High School student.
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Inform and engage Juanita residents about issues and opportunities affecting our neighborhood.
Our Board
Interim Chair: Jennie Jaeger
Vice Chair: Leo Gilbert
Treasurer: Brad LaPlant
Secretary: Alexia Brown
Board Member: Heidi Schor
Board Member: Ingrid Salmon
Board Member: Luke Travis
Board Member: Susan Kantor
Board Member: Margaret Bouniol
Board Member: Kellen Hoard
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Interested in joining the board? Contact us!
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The History of Juanita
The Juanita Neighborhoods Association, Kirkland Heritage Society, and Kirkland Historical Foundation have done much research on Kirkland and the Juanita Area. An interpretation of historical records by the Kirkland Heritage Society suggests that Juanita comes from the Spanish song “Nita Juanita” in the Italian play “Rinaldo” by Norton from the 1850s. Mary Terry purchased her eastside homestead around this time and named her home after the love song. Her homestead is part of the Juanita Neighborhoods area.
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The JNA is a proud supporter of preserving Kirkland's history. One way we show our support is through historical research, providing funding, and utilizing grants for Historical and Interpretive Signs in our community. Several signs are located in the parks in the Juanita Neighborhoods, including in Juanita Bay and on Juanita Beach.
Our JNA Community is very grateful for the research, volunteer time, and dedication from Karen Lightfeldt! The Historical and Interpretive Signs in our neighborhood were made possible through her many years of hard work and commitment to preserving our neighborhoods history!​
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History of Juanita Community Club
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