July 18, 2024
Rock out with podcast special guest (and amateur rock band drummer): Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold!
The Kirkland City Council met on July 16, 2024, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council adopted a City Flag creation process.
- Council adopted amendments to the Kirkland Zoning Code related to development on Goat Hill.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- The Houghton Village Development Plan.
- The project list for the Transportation Strategic Plan.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Note, the Council meeting is moved to Wednesday because of National Night Out celebrated during the regularly scheduled Tuesday.
Take the RapidRide K Line Survey!
King County Metro is working to bring a new RapidRide service to the Eastside and provide better, more reliable bus service to communities in Bellevue and Kirkland. The RapidRide K Line will serve the fast-growing communities between the Totem Lake Transit Center in Kirkland, downtown Bellevue and the Eastgate Park-and-Ride as soon as 2030.
Metro is seeking community input on the proposed route along an 18-mile north-south corridor between Kirkland and Bellevue through a number of engagement events this summer. See below for ways to share your feedback on route options and station locations.
RapidRide K Line - Survey
- Take the survey through July 24 to weigh in on early plans for RapidRide K Line.
RapidRide K Line - Virtual Public Meetings
Engage with Metro staff at an upcoming virtual community connection event. Register here:
Now Recruiting: Kirkland Cadets
Kirkland Police Department is looking for inspired youth, ages 14 to 20, to join its “Kirkland Cadet Program”. This program allows teens and young adults to learn firsthand what it’s like to have a career in law enforcement by working inside the Kirkland Police Department.
Next Kirkland Cadet meeting: Thursday, July 25, 2024, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kirkland Police Department.
Cadets get hands-on training and practical demonstrations during their bi-monthly meetings. Cadets' duties provide real-life opportunities to serve the community, including learning about security detail, crowd control, defensive tactics and what happens at a crime scene.
Cadets receive the benefit of hours that can be applied toward a senior project or put on a resume. More importantly, they benefit from experiences that will prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.
See more info about the Public Safety Cadet Program or apply by emailing Public-Safety-Cadets@kirklandwa.gov.
How can I contact the City with questions, requests, or suggestions?
You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app. Submitting your comments through Our Kirkland ensures the right staff receives the information and can follow up with you.
In our Meet the Council video series, Councilmembers share their interests, what it is like being a Councilmember, and why the community should get involved.
Watch our latest video for a fun conversation with Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold, and listen to our podcast, to hear more about Jay's favorite parts of serving the community.
The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has launched the 2025 Explore Kirkland tourism grant application process, open now through Thursday, July 25, 2024.
“If you have an idea for a tourism drawing program in Kirkland or are looking to take your current program to the next level and need a kickstart of funding to make your dream a reality, then please consider applying for a grant through our Explore Kirkland Tourism Program,” said Tourism Development Chair and City Councilmember Penny Sweet. “The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee is proud to support efforts that highlight Kirkland as a welcoming and special destination to visit which, in turn, supports our vibrant local businesses.”
Read more on our website.
Beginning July 16, 2024, Public Health – Seattle & King County is recommending that people and pets stay out of the water at Houghton Beach Park for at least one week due to elevated bacteria levels. Signs will be positioned to indicate that people and pets should stay out of the water. The rest of Houghton Beach Park remains open.
Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water recently and found that the levels of bacteria at these beaches exceeded safe thresholds for bacteria based on the samples collected. King County crews will return to the beaches next week to collect further samples.
For additional details, visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage.
Why is The Swimming Area Closed? Swim Beaches throughout King County are tested weekly by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. If beach water tests high for bacteria, the swimming area will be closed, and there will be no lifeguards on duty. For testing information or to see which beaches are open/closed please visit the King County Lake Swimming Beach Bacteria page.
Do you want to be notified of swim beach closures and reopening? Join the King County Lake Beach Alert mailing list.
Last year, there were more than 1-million vehicle thefts reported across the U.S.
Washington ranked in the Top 10 states for stolen cars. This month is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and the Kirkland Police Department offers these tips:
- Lock all vehicle doors and secure windows, convertibles, or soft tops. Even at home, in your own garage, and even if you're only going to be gone for a few minutes.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle (including cell phones, purses, radios, garage door openers, cameras, chargers and other accessories, clothes, bags, paperwork, etc.)
- Park in well-lighted areas.
- Trust your instincts! If you hear something suspicious (glass shattering, for example) or see someone looking in multiple vehicles, call 911 immediately. You are the eyes and ears of the police.
- Have an alarm installed and place a sticker on your window indicating your vehicle is protected.
- Avoid parking next to trucks, SUVs, vehicles with tinted windows, or anything that can serve as a shield for thieves. The more open space and light you have, the better.
Visit our website for more crime prevention tips from our Kirkland Police Department.
Don’t delay! The deadline to request a visit from our police, crisis responders, firefighters and/or City Councilmembers is right around the corner! Request a street closure for a neighborhood block party, and invite City First Responders or Councilmembers to your block party by July 23.
Join community members across Kirkland for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024! National Night Out happens every year around the U.S. to promote police-community partnerships and neighbor-to-neighbor relationships to make our communities safer, more caring places to live.
Visit the City's website to learn more.
Earlier this year the City partnered with the Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s Early Learning Center to expand childcare classrooms. The ELC now has childcare availability for community members who live or work in Kirkland. The ELC offers childcare from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children 1.5 to 6 years old.
Call (425 576-5838) or email (elc@lwtech.edu) today to register - and ask about the community member rate!
Summer is here, and it's a given there will be a lot more kids on playgrounds. Let's take a moment to ensure the safety of our children. Here are some tips from Kirkland Fire Department:
- Choose a playground with equipment that is meant for your child's age, matched with their abilities, developmental level and size. Little kids on big kids equipment can have trouble reaching and climbing.
- Most playground injuries happen when a child falls from the equipment onto the ground. So, steer clear of hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Although grass may look soft, it is not a shock absorbing surface. Instead, look for playgrounds with wood chips, mulch, sand or pea gravel underneath, or safety-tested rubber surfaces.
- Don't let your child wear or play with anything that could get caught on equipment and become a strangulation hazard, like sweatshirts with drawstrings, long necklaces, jump ropes or pet leashes. If your child rides a bike or scooter to the playground, they should take off their helmet while playing.
- Metal slides can get very hot from the sun and burn a child's hands and legs. On hot, sunny days, look for playgrounds where slides and other surfaces are shaded.
- Remember, even on safe, age-appropriate playgrounds, adult supervision is the best way to prevent injuries. So, as your child climbs, slides, or jumps, keep an eye on the action and ensure their safety!
Visit our website and try a new spot!
124th Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling southbound on 124th Avenue Northeast are prohibited from turning left onto NE 120th Street. Kirkland’s contractor is widening 124th Avenue Northeast to five lanes and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Search “124th Avenue” on www.kirklandwa.gov
Northeast 116th Place (Goat Hill)
Goat Hill residents should expect road closures this week from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Northeast 116th Place. PSE’s contractor is working on Northeast 117th Place from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. and will have sections of the roadway closed during that work.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill
Eighth Avenue West and Fifth Street West
Work is currently in two locations on 8th Avenue West: near the intersection with Market Street and between 3rd Street and 4th Street. Pedestrians on Market Street should use the east side to avoid pedestrian closures or follow the detour. Flaggers are located at the intersections to allow for emergency vehicles.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/eighthavenuewestupgrade
Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street
Lake Street’s intersection with Kirkland Avenue is now open, and minor impacts to traffic flow are expected for delivery of materials throughout the remainder of construction.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/lakestreetpedscramble
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically this week between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street. Beginning July 29th and lasting one week, a section of Juanita Drive will be closed between NE 128th Street and NE 132nd Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor
Fifth Avenue South and Eighth Street South
Kirkland's Fifth Avenue South and Eighth Street West water main contractor is alternating traffic until early-August on Eighth Street South and a short section of Railroad Avenue.
Strickland and Sons crews are working from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Search “5th Avenue water” on www.kirklandwa.gov
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction, over the next two weeks, will have intermittent disruptions to access to Northeast 144th Lane as crews work to install soldier pilings for a new wall on the west side of 100th Avenue Northeast. The Kirkland contractor is alternating traffic at various locations between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign
Junior League Softball World Series
Date: July 28 to August 3
Location: Everest Park, 500 8th Street S
This is the perfect place for families and fans from around the world to join together for a week of fun, excitement, and competition. On the field, 10 teams of 12- to 14-year-olds from around the world will compete for a chance to be crowned Junior League Softball World Series champion while fans can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Everest Park, the home of this iconic event since 1999.
Game times will be posted online, visit the Junior League Softball World Series webpage.
2024 Outdoor Summer Movie Series
Date: Saturdays, July 20 & 27
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Beach Drive
Kick back and relax this Saturday at Juanita Beach Park's north side for the Outdoor Summer Movie Series featuring Barbie (PG-13) and Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (PG-13) at 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Bring some snacks, a blanket and watch on our giant LED movie screen!
Visit 2024 Outdoor Summer Movie Series webpage for the full rundown!
Sprinkler Park Thursdays
Date: Thursdays
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Park at Lee Johnson Field, 202 3rd Street
Join us this summer at Peter Kirk Park's Lee Johnson Field for our annual Sprinkler Park Thursdays. We offer a variety of sprinklers, suitable for all ages, set up for everyone to enjoy! This program is free.
All children ages 10 and under must be supervised by an adult.
Temperatures must be above 70 degrees for Sprinkler Parks to be open. Our Facebook page will be updated in the event that Sprinkler Park is cancelled for the day.
Visit the Sprinkler Park Thursdays webpage for more.
Kirkland Health and Wellness Fair
Date: Saturday, September 28
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Juanita High School, 10601 NE 132nd St
Save the date!
Join the 4th annual Health and Wellness Fair for FREE Health Screenings, Flu shots, and vaccination. Also, local community services information, resources, support, food, music, raffles, giveaways, and so much more!
For information about this event, volunteering, and exhibitor opportunities, please contact: support@promotoresnetwork.org
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Need a nice and laid back Friday afternoon activity? Check out the highlights from last year's market. Juanita Friday Markets take place every Friday, rain or shine, at Juanita Beach Park from 3 - 7 p.m.