Kirkland Park Rules

Know before you go! Learn the park rules so you and others can enjoy your visit to Kirkland parks.

Park Hours

  • Waterfront parks open at sunrise and close at 10 p.m.
  • All other parks open at sunrise and close at 11 p.m.
  • Parking lots are typically locked overnight, usually from sunset to 8 a.m.

Animals

  • Your dog and other pets must be leashed at all times, unless they are in a designated dog off-leash area.
  • You must be in control of your pet at all times.
  • Your dog is not allowed to enter swimming areas.
  • Pets must be licensed.
  • You are responsible for picking up after your dog and properly disposing of its waste.
  • Teasing, annoying, or injuring animals (including all wildlife) is prohibited.
  • Do not feed waterfowl or other wildlife.

Litter

  • Littering on any public property or in waterways is prohibited. Take your trash home with you or use the receptacles available in most parks. If garbage doesn’t fit completely within a trash bin (like pizza boxes), please dispose of off-site.
  • Dumping refuse or green waste (such as branches and leaf trimmings) on park land is prohibited.

Landscape

  • Do not prune, remove, or otherwise disturb vegetation in parks or City open spaces.
  • Do not encroach on park property through the installation of temporary or permanent building or landscaping features such as lawns and fences.

Drones and Other Remote-Controlled Devices

  • The use of battery-powered, remote-controlled drones, vehicles, planes, etc. is not allowed. 

Alcohol and Smoking

  • Consuming alcohol in any park is not allowed. Exceptions may be made for permitted special events and facility reservations. 
  • Use of marijuana is prohibited.
  • Smoking/vaping tobacco is allowed in designated areas, but you are responsible for properly disposing extinguished cigarette butts and cartridges.

Picnic Areas/Shelters

  • You may rent picnic areas/shelters.
  • When not reserved, picnic areas/shelters are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • You are responsible for cleaning up the picnic area and disposing your trash.
  • Groups larger than 15 people are required to get a park use permit.

Permits

Fires/BBQs

  • 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. 

Beaches and swimming

Camping

  • Overnight camping is not allowed.

Fireworks and Weapons

  • Fireworks are prohibited in Kirkland city limits unless it is a properly permitted display. Call the Kirkland Fire Prevention Bureau at 425-587-3650 for more information.
  • You may not use firearms, air guns, B.B. guns, slingshots, bows and arrows or any other propelling device in any park.

Motorized Vehicles and Parking

  • Motorized vehicles are not allowed on park lawns, pathways, or trails.
  • Vehicles may not be left in parking lots overnight.
  • Parking lots are typically locked overnight, usually from sunset to 8 a.m.

Noise and Amplified Sound

  • Sound may not be amplified or travel beyond 50 feet of its origin.
  • Sound amplification may be allowed as part of a facility use permit or special event permit. Distance and decibel rules apply.

Sales of Goods or Services in Parks

  • Unless you have a concession contract with the City of Kirkland Parks and Community Services, you may not
    • Sell food, beverages, or merchandise
    • Provide classes or other services
    • Use park facilities for advertising a business, product, or service.

Watercraft

  • Both motorized and non-motorized boats are prohibited from being within 300’ of swimming areas or swimming docks, unless they are involved in a rescue or lifesaving emergency. Parks with swimming areas or swimming docks include Houghton Beach, Waverly Beach, David Brink, Marsh, and Juanita Beach.
  • You may not enter the Juanita Bay Park wildlife habitat area, whether by boat (motorized or non-motorized), raft, floatation device, or swimming. Juanita Bay Park and the waters adjacent to the park are a wildlife habitat area. The boundaries of the wildlife habitat area are marked by warning signs posted on buoys.
  • Motorized boats may tie off/moor only at Marina Park and Second Avenue Dock.
  • You may launch your trailered boat year-round from the Marina Park Boat Launch and from O.O. Denny Park from April 1 through October 31.
  • You may launch your non-motorized small watercraft (kayak, paddleboard, etc.) by hand at O.O. Denny, Juanita Beach, Houghton Beach, and Marina Park. 

Use of Athletic Fields

  • Organized use of an athletic field requires a permit. Please see the Athletic Field Use Policies.
  • 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.
  • Golf and archery are not allowed in any park.

What should I do if I see a rule being broken?

  • If you see behavior that makes you feel unsafe or if you have concerns about the safety of others or property, call 911 immediately.
  • If you observe something that requires attention from park staff, call 425-587-3300. 

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