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March 6, 2025
This week, we’re serving up a fun chat with Sher and Shelley from Life Lessons from Pickleball! They share why this sport is more than just a game, plus inspiring stories and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious, you won’t want to miss it!
Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on March 4, 2025, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council reviewed and approved three support memos for the King County Metro RapidRide K Line project. The conversation will continue at the March 18 Council meeting.
- Council reviewed and discussed zoning code amendments to comply with newly mandated State rules for middle housing.
- The Mayor Proclaimed National Safe Place Week in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- Options to utilize Peter Kirk pool year-round
- The concept plan for the potential Seattle Kraken IcePlex community center
- Streamlining the design review process to comply with State-mandated development standards
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 March 18, 2025.
The City of Kirkland recently kicked off a comprehensive campaign to engage the community on the City’s current response to homelessness and help shape Kirkland’s Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan. Following two public forums in late February, which drew more than 70 Kirkland residents, the next round of the City’s engagement process includes three focus groups in March.
“It was clear in our recent forums how much our community cares about supporting our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold. “While we may not all agree on exactly which actions are needed to prevent people from living without shelter in Kirkland, it is heartening to know we can come together in civil dialogue. This complex and generational issue will undoubtedly benefit from Kirkland’s diverse perspectives, ingenuity, and compassion, so I encourage everyone who can to lend their voice to this ongoing discussion.”
Read more and register on the City's website.
Drivers should expect traffic delays and restricted parking due to the Kirkland Shamrock Run, to be held at Marina Park on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed. Course maps are available at kirklandshamrockrun.com.
For roadway impacts and more information, visit the City's website.
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, which means it’s time to set your clocks ahead one hour. While you’re making the switch, take a few extra minutes to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Testing your smoke alarms ensures they’re working when you need them, giving you critical early warning of a fire and increasing your chances of a safe escape. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing alarms monthly and replacing batteries at least once a year—or sooner if the alarm starts beeping. For more fire safety tips, visit https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/smoke-alarms-at-home-tip-sheet
Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to update your Emergency Preparedness supplies. Here's a few suggestions:
- Expired Items – Replace expired food, water, medications, and batteries.
- Tech & Power – Update phone chargers, power banks, and emergency radio batteries.
- Documents – Refresh copies of IDs, insurance, and emergency contacts.
Learn more at kirklandwa.gov/prepare
The City of Kirkland is taking a major step toward creating a more vibrant Juanita by updating development standards for two sites in the neighborhood. This includes the current Goodwill store site (9826 NE 132nd St) and the adjacent parcels to the east, along with the Michael’s site (9755 NE Juanita Dr).
Zoning code and design guideline amendments will be applied to support a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, improve access to everyday services, and enhance connectivity and sustainability within the neighborhood. To learn more about the code amendment process, attend the hybrid Planning Commission meeting on March 13, 2025 at 6 p.m. when the Planning Commission will be briefed on the process and schedule. See the Planning Commission agenda page for upcoming meeting information.
To learn more about opportunities to participate and receive updates, visit the City’s webpage for community-initiated land use and zoning requests at http://www.kirklandwa.gov/ZoningRequests or contact LeAndra Baker-Lewis, llewis@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3265
Save the Date for Spring/Summer 2025 Recreation Registration!
The 2025 Spring/Summer Activity Guide will be available March 10 at kirklandparks.net.
Prepare by updating or creating your account now. Did you move? New phone number? Want to add new family members to your account? Visit kirklandparks.net and click on the Account tab in the upper left-hand corner of the page. You can also call us at 425-587-3336.
And don't forget to mark these registration dates on your calendars:
• Kirkland resident registration for camps and general programs opens March 25, 2025 at 7 a.m.
• Kirkland resident registration for aquatic and swim programs opens March 26, 2025 at 7 a.m.
• Registration for all non-residents opens March 27, 2024 at 8 a.m.
Love Kirkland’s parks? Want to make a real impact? Then it’s time to go from park lover to park leader.
The Green Kirkland Partnership is training Stewards, volunteers who help restore and protect our natural spaces, with an orientation series in March.
It’s open to anyone who wants to dig in—literally! Find out more on the Green Kirkland website: greenkirkland.org
Great news! The deadline for the Soil & Water Stewardship program has been extended—so if you’ve been thinking about applying, now’s your chance! Learn sustainable gardening, composting, and stormwater management while making a real impact in your community. Apply with the Tilth Alliance by March 12!
Passionate about education and want to make a difference?
Two LWSD School Board positions are on the November 2025 ballot, and now’s your chance to learn more. Whether you're curious about what board members do or ready to take the leap, join an upcoming info sessions with the Lake Washington School District.
March 10 | 7 p.m. | Virtual bit.ly/LWSDBoard0310
March 24 | 4 p.m. | Virtual bit.ly/LWSDBoard0324
April 21 | 7 p.m. | In-Person @ LWSD Resource Center
Learn more: lwsd.org/about/school-board
Attention King County Women!
Are you passionate about public service and considering a career in Fire or Emergency Medical Services?
Bellevue Fire is hosting a FREE two-day workshop on April 12-13, offering a hands-on introduction to careers in emergency services. This immersive experience includes interactive activities, panel discussions, live demonstrations, and the chance to connect with EMTs, firefighters, and paramedics from across our region.
Open to women 18+ (King County residents preferred)
Spots are limited—apply by March 16!
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a rewarding career path. Register now: https://bit.ly/BELLEVUEFWIEF
The Leschi ferry medallion was the first of seven that Kirkland’s Lake Street Pedestrian Scramble contractor installed yesterday at Lake Street’s intersection with Kirkland Avenue.
The Leschi, named after the chief of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, was one of Lake Washington’s first public ferries. It was also one of western Washington’s first ferry that could transport automobiles. From 1913 to 1950, it transported people and automobiles from Leschi Park in Seattle to Bellevue and Medina. The City of Kirkland operated the Leschi from 1948 to 1950.
Kirkland’s contractor installed two ferry medallions at three of the intersection’s four corners. The fourth corner, the intersection’s southeast quadrant that features the Bank of America building, will have one, the Urania. The other five medallions commemorate the Acme, Ariel, Kalakala, Lincoln and Issaquah ferries.
124th Avenue Northeast
Kirkland’s contractor will close Northeast 120th Street east of 124th Avenue Northeast for at least one week beginning Mar. 4 for Northshore Utility District to complete work on their utilities. Work continues on the east side of the street on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124thAvenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 124th Street
Kirkland's contractor is upgrading two pedestrian crossings on Northeast 124thStreet near North Kirkland Community Center. Drivers will encounter traffic control that will reduce travel lanes near 105th Place Northeast and 101st Court Northeast from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pedestrian crossings are being upgraded to High intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals that pedestrians will engage to cross the street. This project also provides safety updates on Central Way Medians, a crossing, and adds bike lanes from Market to First Street. Work on Central Way expected in a few weeks. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements for project updates on Thursdays.
Central Way & Market Street
Drivers on Central Way & Market Street will encounter lane shifts and restricted turning movements as a Kirkland Contractor is expected to pour the decorative concrete this week at prepared center medians. On Market Street the work zone is between 15th and 22nd Avenues, and on Central Way the work zone is between 2nd Place and 5th Street. Some parking will be restricted to keep vehicles moving through the work zone between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Landscape-Median-Updates for project updates on Thursdays.
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
116th Avenue Northeast
This project along 116th Avenue Northeast by Lake Washington High School is nearly complete. Kamins Construction built sidewalks and upgrading the aging stormwater system for this first Transportation Benefit District funded project. This project is waiting on equipment to finish installing the RRFB crossing east of the124th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 80th Street intersection. Work is expected to be complete shortly.
132nd Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling along 132nd Avenue Northeast will encounter sidewalk construction and stormwater system upgrades from Northeast 95th Street to Lake Washington Technical Institute. Kirkland's contractor, Reed Trucking and Excavating, is periodically closing a lane from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the second Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd for project updates on Thursdays.
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 with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 132nd Street
Drivers traveling on Northeast 132nd Street will encounter lane shifts as Kirkland's Contractor, Always Active Services, repairs storm piping between 118th and 120th Avenues Northeast. The work is being done as part of the 2025 Aging and Failing Infrastructure project.
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental health challenges are common, but many people don’t feel equipped to help. Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to recognize and respond to signs of a mental health crisis—just like CPR helps in a medical emergency. The City of Kirkland, in partnership with Valley Cities, is offering free Mental Health First Aid classes for those who live or work in King County. These interactive, instructor-led courses cover risk factors, warning signs, and a five-step action plan to support someone in need.
Classes will be held at the Kirkland Police Department – Totem Lake Room: Adult Mental Health First Aid on March 21 (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and Youth Mental Health First Aid on March 28 (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.). Space is limited, and registration is required.
Sign up today:
March 21 Adult Mental Health First Aid
March 28 Youth Mental Health First Aid
Gardening for Wildlife Workshop
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Kingsgate Library
Do you want to attract more wildlife to your landscape? Do you want to make sure that your landscape is helping wildlife in Kirkland?
Kate Schmiett, City of Kirkland Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist, will give you the tools to grow a garden that provides the essential elements of wildlife habitat and supports community-wide ecosystems for pollinators, birds and salmon.
With support from members of Kirkland Community Wildlife Habitats.
Learn more and register at KCLS.org
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Experience the K Line and the amazing stops that it will serve throughout Kirkland (the Bellevue experience is coming next week)!