Kirkland Introduces Summer Sundays on Park Lane

KIRKLAND, Wash. – All are invited to shop, stroll and dine on Park Lane in a car-free environment every Sunday from June 2 to September 22.  

Summer Sundays on Park Lane will kick-off this Sunday, June 2 from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The concept for Summer Sundays was inspired by residents hoping to create an atmosphere where community members can gather, shop, stroll, and dine in a casual car-free environment. Community members and visitors are invited to come down and enjoy the ambience of a Summer Sunday. 

Summer Sundays is a pilot project between the City of Kirkland, community members, downtown businesses, and neighborhood associations to provide accessibility, mobility and a strong sense of place for people while supporting our local business community. 

“The Summer Sundays pilot project is about building community, shopping locally, and reducing our dependence on automobiles. We want this event to be a big win for everybody. I encourage Kirkland residents to come on down, enjoy our beautiful downtown and support the small businesses that operate here.” said Mayor Penny Sweet.   

“Pedestrian streets provide people-friendly gathering and shopping places all over the world. I am thrilled that Kirkland is offering this wonderful opportunity to the community,” said neighborhood advocate Karen Story. 

Park Lane is located in Downtown Kirkland between Lake Street and 3rd Street. Known as an “American woonerf” – which loosely translates to “living street” – Park Lane is a charming thruway that invites pedestrian exploration day and night. Though attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or take transit to the event, all City-owned parking is free on Sundays including street parking, the Peter Kirk Municipal Garage that is located under the library, the Wester Lot on 3rd Avenue, Marina Park, the Lake & Central lot, and at City Hall. Private pay parking lots are located throughout downtown, including the Voda Parking garage on Main St. at Park Lane.

Summer Sundays will be evolving throughout the summer and organizers predict that music, art and other entertainment will be included as the event develops. If you’re interested in more information about entertainment, programming, or volunteering, contact Karen Story at kirklandsummersundays@gmail.com. More information on Summer Sundays, including frequently asked questions, can be found online at www.kirklandwa.gov/SummerSundays.