Neighborhood Walking Maps

Juanita Bay Boardwalk

These maps of easy neighborhood walks are provided to you by the City of Kirkland and the local neighborhood association in cooperation with Public Health - Seattle & King County.

Physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent disease, and walking is one of the easiest ways to get started and stay healthy. Walking also helps build community. A simple wave as you walk by your neighbors working in the yard helps strengthen community connections. Walking, instead of driving, also reduces traffic congestion and pollution.

It is our hope that these maps of neighborhood parks and walking routes will inspire you and give you new ideas of places to walk!

Healthy Walking Tips

  • Choose proper foot gear. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes treat your feet well!
  • Stretch before and after walking to prevent injury. Ease into and out of the stretch and hold for a count of ten.
  • Exercise smart. Set appropriate and realistic goals. Exercise can be effective in a minimum of ten minute intervals at least 3 times a day. Pace yourself, and increase your exercise program gradually to a minimum of 5 days a week. Drink fluids on hot days to avoid dehydration or heat exhaustion.
  • Wear layered clothing. Loose-fitting and durable, weather resistant clothes are best.
  • Carry a few essentials. A fanny pack with identification and “pocket change” along with a few first aid essentials work great.
  • Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.

Safety Tips

  • Be visible! At dusk, dawn and/or night, wear reflectorized clothing for visibility. During the day, wear bright, light clothing.
  • Be careful. Always look both ways before crossing the street. When crossing, wait for a safe gap in traffic and make eye contact with the driver of any approaching vehicle.
  • Make sure drivers see you. Don’t dart out or suddenly enter the street. If you are emerging from behind a parked car or other obstacle, slowly step out and make sure you are visible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
  • Be alert. Be aware of all traffic, particularly vehicles making a “right on red.”
  • Walk with a friend. Walking with someone is safer than walking on your own. Encourage a friend or family member to join you.

Benefits of Dog Walking

Walking with your dog strengthens the bond between you and your pet, and it is also the healthy thing to do. Dogs, like people, benefit from exercise to help control weight and to maintain a healthy heart, lungs and muscles. Aging pets must be kept as agile and fit as possible but may not be inclined to exercise without encouragement. Even if your pet is active in your yard, it is more active during a walk. The pleasure of your company is one of your dog’s greatest motivations to exercise. In addition to exercise, dogs also need social interaction, positive attention from its owner, and mental stimulation. Many of these needs can be met by simply taking your dog for a walk.

Here are other important tips:

  • Walk your dog on a secure leash.
  • Be sure to pick up after your pet.
  • During warm weather carry water for your pet.
  • Identification is a MUST. Every dog should wear their license tag for identification and safety.
  • Pause when your dog needs a rest.

For more information about pets, visit our Pets website.

How to Use Crosswalk Flags

  1. Signal to drivers on your left.
  2. When traffic on your left has stopped, proceed with caution. Look both ways.
  3. As you approach center of road, signal to drivers on right.
  4. When traffic on right has stopped, complete your crossing.
  5. Return flag to holder.