Kirkland's Juanita Beach Park is now home to an eco-friendly spectacle, but it comes with a twist—it's only visible under the drizzle and downpour. On Earth Day 2024, the city unveiled its novel approach to art with a partnership with Rainworks, a project that adds a silver lining to every rainy cloud by creating images that can only be seen when wet.

As reported on Kirkland's official website, this isn't the first time the city has used these installations to subtly intertwine an eco-conscious message with public space. Preceded by artworks at 132nd Square Park, Marina Park, and Downtown Kirkland, this newest addition to the city’s environmental campaign aims to gently remind folks to actively engage in pollution prevention, helping to safeguard the local awe-inspiring creeks, precious wetlands, and the vast Lake Washington.

The Rainworks art is known to be temporary, with a lifespan estimated to span over 2 to 4 months. This temporary nature serves perhaps to mirror the fleeting moments of rainfall, transient yet abundant in purpose. Kirkland's news release teases the viewers with visuals of river otters engaged in a playful game of basketball and giant leapfrog hopscotch, imagery conjured solely by the conditions gifted by the clouds.

City officials encourage the community to quickly head to the park to catch a glimpse of these creative pieces. "As we welcome the rain again this week, hurry down to Juanita Beach Park to view scenes of river otters playing basketball, giant leapfrog hopscotch, and more," read a statement from the city's announcement.