Kirkland Park Rules

Parks are open from 5am to 10pm.

• Parks may not be used outside of these hours.
• Exceptions apply only for permitted events or authorized overnight moorage.
• Being in parks after hours is illegal.
• Violators may be arrested.

KMC 11.80.226, 11.80.246

Organized use of an athletic field requires a permit.

• Drop-in use of an open, unprepped field by a few individuals (not organized sport programs) is allowed on open athletic fields.
• Do not use an athletic field that has been prepped for use, has a "Field Closed" sign, or is so wet that use may cause damage.
• See more information about our athletic field use policies.

Ride bicycles, scooters, and e-bikes only on paths and trails.

• Stay off grassy areas, sports courts, and docks.
• Keep speed below 15 miles per hour.
• Dismount when necessary to ensure the safety of other park users.
• Follow posted signs and avoid reckless behavior.

KMC 11.80.132, 11.80.134

Keep boats out of swim zones, and use boats only in approved areas.

• Follow posted signs for launch and mooring areas.

KMC 11.80.110, 11.80.120

Obtain a permit or concessionaire agreement for any business activity in parks.

• Includes selling items, teaching classes, commercial activity, or advertising.
• Learn more about busking.

KMC 11.80.038

Buskers are allowed to perform at designated parks and other city-owned locations with proper permits.

• Learn more about busking rules and permits.

Do not camp, stay overnight in parks, or sleep in vehicles.

• No tents or structures may be used in parks without a permit.
• Small, temporary shade canopies for shade or weather protection are allowed.

KMC 11.80.140, 11.80.145

Drones or remote-controlled devices are prohibited.

• Exemptions apply for police and authorized personnel.

KMC 11.80.222

Do not possess alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs in parks.

• Having an open container of alcohol within reach counts as possession.
• Exceptions apply to alcohol for permitted events only.
• Do not remain in a park while intoxicated.
• Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

KMC 11.80.240, 11.80.242, 11.80.244

Do not extend private property or structures into park land.

• Extending private property or structures onto park land is a criminal offense.
• The City may order removal and require restoration.
• Violators must pay for removal, repairs, and maintenance.

KMC 11.80.280

It is illegal to make false reports of drowning.

KMC 11.80.196

Fires may be built only within a barbeque stand for cooking purposes.

• Fires may not be built anywhere else in parks.
• Open fires (including bonfires) are prohibited.
• You may bring a personal gas/propane barbeque to the park, as long as it is used in a location that is safe for park visitors, the landscape, and facilities. A drip pan is required.
• Barbequing with charcoal is only allowed in existing designated charcoal barbeques.

KMC 11.80.270

Do not discharge firearms, fireworks, propelling devices, or explosives of any kind in parks.

KMC 11.80.260

Do not go out onto ice in any park unless the area is specifically designated for it.

KMC 11.80.192

Do not interfere with or obstruct the activities of lifeguards.

• It is illegal to make false reports of drowning.
• Check with lifeguards before engaging in water games. Some activities may interfere with their duties.
• Harassment or disruptive behavior toward lifeguards is strictly prohibited.

KMC 11.80.206, 11.80.196, 11.80.212

Moorage is only authorized on designated docks.

• Follow moorage and boat launch rules in KMC 14.36.
• Do not tie boats to swim-area barriers.

KMC 11.80.194

Drive only on roads, obey posted speed limits, and park only in designated areas during open hours.

• Official identification is required for use of disabled parking spaces.
• Vehicles may be towed if parked illegally.
• Electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles) are motor vehicles.
• Commercial vehicles are not allowed in parks.
• Do not wash motor vehicles in parks.

KMC 11.80.122, 11.80.124, 11.80.126, 11.80.170

Keep noise levels low such that it cannot be heard 50 feet away.

• Loud music, shouting, or amplified sound requires a permit.
• Noise heard from 50 feet away may be considered a disturbance.

KMC 11.80.090

Keep your dogs safe and under control at all times.

• All dogs must be actively supervised by their owner or handler, who are responsible for the behavior of dogs under their supervision.
• Owners and handlers must clean up after dogs and properly dispose of pet waste.
• Dogs must be leashed when outside of the designated off-leash area. This includes parking lots and other areas of parks.
• Dogs in heat, aggressive dogs, and sick dogs are not allowed in off-leash dog parks. Leash and immediately remove from the area any dogs displaying aggressive behavior.
• All dogs must be licensed and have up to date vaccines.
• Learn more about off-leash dog areas.

Protect park property, including trees, plants, buildings, structures, and equipment.

• Damaging park property is illegal and may result in penalties.
• Property owners adjacent to parks may trim overgrowth only under City standards.

KMC 11.80.050, 11.80.055

Following instructions from Park Rangers is required by law.

• Park rangers can issue civil infractions for rules violations.
• Provide name, address, birthdate, and ID when issued a citation by a Park Ranger.
• Failure to identify yourself violates state law (RCW 7.80.040)
• Park rangers are identifiable by a City of Kirkland Park Ranger uniform.

KMC 11.80.022, 11.80.025

A permit is required for special events, organized activities, or exclusive use of park areas.

• Visit the Special Events page and the Facility Rental page to see if your activity or event needs a permit. 
• The City may cancel a permit for safety or operational needs.
• Permits are required to hold races or competitions.

KMC 11.80.34, 11.80.190

Follow pet rules when visiting parks with animals.

• Keep pets out of athletic fields, playgrounds, and swimming beaches.
• Keep pets leashed (8 feet max), unless in designated off-leash area.
• Pets must always be under control.
• Pets must be licensed.
• Clean up waste and prevent property damage.

KMC 11.80.60

You may rent picnic areas and shelters.

• Learn more about our renting outdoor park facilities.
• When not reserved, picnic areas and shelters are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
• You are responsible for cleaning up the picnic area and disposing of your trash.
• Groups larger than 15 people are required to get a park use permit.

Authorization is required prior to posting any sign or advertisement in a park.

• Do not attach signs to trees, buildings, or park structures.
• Temporary event signs may be allowed.
• Youth sports leagues may install approved sponsor banners under a separate permit issued by the Department.

KMC 11.80.040

Do not smoke or vape anywhere in parks.

• This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, marijuana, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and electronic or vaporized smoking devices.

KMC 11.80.216

Do not throw or propel objects, such as balls or bats, in a way that could endanger others.

KMC 11.80.150

Swim only in designated swim areas and follow lifeguard instructions.

• No boats or hard-bottomed flotation devices in swim zones.
• No unsafe jumping or swimming under docks.
• No swimming in boat launch areas.
• Use visible safety gear when swimming in open water.
• Long-distance swimming (50+ feet from shore) requires an escort vessel.
• Read the rules for our designated swimming beaches.

KMC 11.80.202, 11.80.204

Dispose of all waste, refuse, and litter properly.

• Dispose of park-use waste in park bins.
• Pick up and dispose of all animal waste in appropriate bins.
• Never dump household or commercial garbage in parks.
• Never dump vehicle waste in parks, including sewage or liquid refuse.
• Never dump trash, chemicals, or waste (human or animal) into streams, rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.

KMC 11.80.160, 11.80.232, 11.80.234, 11.80.236

Treat wildlife with respect.

• Do not tease, harm, or feed wildlife.
• Fish only in designated areas.
• Do not wash fish, pets, or other animals in parks.

KMC 11.80.080, 11.80.170