April 2, 2026 - This Week in Kirkland - Text Version
Published on April 03, 2026
This Week: Council Preview | Egg Hunt | Learn CPR | More Pickleball | B.Y.OT.
City of Kirkland Washington sent this bulletin at 04/02/2026 04:31 PM PDT
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- Bingo! How One Kirkland School Could Win Over $2,000
- City Council Meeting Preview
- Get Questions Answered and Lend Your Voice
- “Conversations with Council” Continue Following Strong Program Launch
- Employee Highlight: Meet Heather
- Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month!
- Learn CPR. Be Ready to Help.
- Spring Break Plans? Don’t Forget Home Safety
- More Play: Pickleball Courts Coming to Peter Kirk Park
- Safety Alert: DuraTrac Gas Connector Recalled Due to Fire Risk
- Traffic Alerts
- Upcoming Events
- Video Spotlight
Bingo! How One Kirkland School Could Win Over $2,000
We’re joined by Eva Odderson and Tanushri Goyal with Sustainability Ambassadors, who lay down the facts on school commute carbon emissions and provide winning tips for Transit Bingo. We also talk about Conversations with Council, appreciate our volunteers, announce life-saving training, and share ideas for burglary prevention. Plus, we preview the next Council meeting and look forward to the the Kiwanis egg hunt, drive-in Mufasa, and Green Kirkland Partnership stewardship events. Check it out.
City Council Meeting Preview
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Council will:
- Receive a briefing on a new Neighborhood Plan Amendment Request Process
- Consider adopting Zoning Code Amendments for Minimum Parking Requirements to comply with State law
- Review a draft resolution on how the City can respond to federal impacts
- Consider draft policy principles that will help guide the next six-year Capital Improvement Program
- Consider authorizing the acquisition of the Perrin Property for the Public Works Maintenance Center Expansion Project.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will:
- Hold a joint meeting with the Human Services Commission
- Receive a presentation on the peer review of the Upper Highlands Water Pressure.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City’s:
Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign-up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: This calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
Get Questions Answered and Lend Your Voice
Not sure where to find what you’re looking for?
Check out Ask Kirkland – the City’s website chatbot. Click on “Let’s Chat” in the lower righthand corner.
You can also text “Ask Kirkland” to ask questions via SMS. Just text:
1-866-527-KIRK (5475)
Have a question for the City but aren’t sure where to ask?
Rep’d is an innovative video platform that allows City staff to quickly and easily share short, plain-language answers to community questions. Ask a question today!
See an issue needing to be addressed?
Whether it’s potholes, graffiti, downed trees, or otherwise, let us know through Our Kirkland!
“Conversations with Council” Continue Following Strong Program Launch
Community members invited to connect directly with Councilmembers at Q2 events
Following a successful first quarter of its “Conversations with Council” (CWC) community engagement pilot program, the City of Kirkland is pleased to announce its second quarter lineup of events.
Since launching in January 2026, nearly 50 community members have participated in the program, which is designed to create more opportunities for residents to connect directly with City Councilmembers outside of formal meetings. These casual, drop-in gatherings invite community members to B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Topic)™ — whether sharing ideas, asking questions, or simply getting to know their elected officials through small-group or one-on-one conversations. There is no agenda, presentation, or prepared remarks, just conversation.
Q2 2026 Conversations with Council event lineup:
- Tuesday, April 28, 12-2 p.m. — Lake Washington Institute of Technology (East Mall/Cafeteria)
- Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Downtown Kirkland Library
- Friday, June 26, 3-5 p.m. — Juanita Friday Market at Juanita Beach Park
Community members can drop in at any time during the events. Feedback from participants will help shape and evolve the program to meet the needs of the community. For more information about the Conversations with Council program and other happenings at the City, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/CouncilConversations. Read the full news release.
Employee Highlight: Meet Heather
As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Heather brings a strong sense of purpose and teamwork to her role with the Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency. In this role, she helps SERVE communities across five Eastside cities, including Kirkland, coordinating crisis response efforts that connect people to the support they need during difficult moments.
Heather’s military experience shaped her ability to work in high-pressure situations and support people during times of uncertainty. “If we want to serve — and serve well — partnerships and relationships with people are the key,” she shares.
Working closely with regional partners and colleagues, Heather has found a place where she truly BELONGs, collaborating with others who are committed to support community well-being.
Through this meaningful work, Heather continues to THRIVE, helping ensure compassionate, coordinated care reaches residents when it matters most.
If you are looking to thrive in your career and serve your community like Heather, check out our job openings by visiting our jobs page at www.kirklandwa.gov/jobs.
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month!
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re celebrating the incredible people who give their time, heart, and energy to make Kirkland better every day. From helping at parks and events to serving on boards and supporting neighbors — you’re what makes our community shine. Thank you for all you do!
And don’t forget to register for “This Night in Kirkland: All Together Now,” our annual State of the City address and Community Appreciation Night, on May 7. All are welcome at this special one‑night‑only event with a live podcast conversation with the City Council as we share gratitude for our amazing community. Come celebrate the spirit of service and the people who make Kirkland a great place to live. Register today!
Learn CPR. Be Ready to Help.
When someone goes into cardiac arrest, every second counts — and bystander CPR can help save a life.
The City of Kirkland, in partnership with the Medic One Foundation, offers free training classes for community members.
You’ll learn:
- Adult and infant CPR
- How to use an AED
- Basic first aid.
An optional American Heart Association (AHA) certification is available for a small fee.
Spring Break Plans? Don’t Forget Home Safety
Spring break is coming up, and many families will be traveling or spending more time away from home. Whether you’re gone for a few days or just out for the day, a few simple steps can help protect your home from burglary.
If a home looks well cared for and difficult to enter, it’s more likely someone will move on.
Here are a few easy ways to help reduce the risk:
- Make your home look occupied: Use timers for lights or music and ask a neighbor to pick up mail or packages.
- Lock up and reinforce doors/windows: Use deadbolts and consider longer screws in door frames for added strength.
- Add lighting: Well-lit entry points and yards can deter unwanted activity.
- Secure sliding doors and windows: Use secondary locks or a dowel in the track.
- Keep your yard maintained: Trim landscaping so windows and doors are visible.
- Connect with neighbors: Looking out for each other goes a long way.
More Play: Pickleball Courts Coming to Peter Kirk Park
To make room for more play and meet growing demand, the tennis courts at Peter Kirk Park will temporarily close beginning Monday, April 13, 2026 for conversion to six dedicated pickleball courts. This upgrade will expand access to one of Kirkland’s fastest-growing sports, creating more opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to stay active and connect with others.
During construction, crews will install new court layouts, fencing, and amenities, followed by resurfacing and final touches. The project is expected to be complete by early June 2026, weather permitting.
We appreciate your patience during this temporary closure and look forward to opening new pickleball courts where all community members are welcome to gather, compete, and play.
Safety Alert: DuraTrac Gas Connector Recalled Due to Fire Risk
Check your gas connector if you purchased it between May 2025 and November 2025. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for DuraTrac stainless steel gas connectors sold within that period. The recalled products have a manufacturing defect that could cause a gas leak, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
To determine if your gas connector is among the recalled products, look for a yellow product label that includes the brand name “DuraTrac,” and “Made in Thailand.” The recalled gas connectors have CSA file number “259973” engraved on the flare nuts, along with one of the following codes to indicate their date of manufacture: 24D, 25A, 25B, or 25C.
These gas connectors were sold at Ace Hardware, Blake’s Inc. and Merritt’s Hardware stores from May 2025 through November 2025 for about $20. DuraTrac is offering full refunds to those who purchased the recalled products.
Traffic Alerts
(1) NE 85th Street: Shared Use Pathway
Drivers on NE 85th Street will encounter uniformed police officers controlling the intersection as watermain construction south of NE 85th Street begins in the road on Wednesday, April 8. The roadwork is expected to be complete on Friday, April 10. Traffic control will shift the lanes on Sixth Street south of NE 85th Street away from the construction trench. Working hours for this activity are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
NE 85th Street continues to usher a single lane of traffic in each direction, between Interstate 405 and Sixth Street, while a Kirkland contractor builds a shared-use pathway that parallels NE 85th Street.
(2) 124th Avenue NE Pedestrian Improvements
Drivers should expect lane shifts and intermittent flagging operations on 124th Avenue NE near NE 145th Street as Kirkland’s contractor finishes sidewalk work for this Transportation Benefit District sidewalk and crossing project. Traffic control begins at 7 a.m. and ends by 3 p.m.
(3) 132nd Avenue NE Intersection Improvements
Drivers should expect lane shifts and flagging operations on 132nd Avenue NE near NE 100th Street as Kirkland’s contractor builds a new signalized intersection. Traffic control begins at 9 a.m. and ends by 3:30 p.m. Construction on this project is expected to enter suspension in April as the contractor procures long-lead items.
(4) CKC to Eastrail Crossing at Slater Avenue NE/132nd Avenue NE
Drivers should expect traffic control and plan for construction delays near NE 124th Street at Slater Avenue NE as Kirkland’s contractor resumes work on this project. On Tuesday, April 7, beginning as early as 7 p.m. and concluding by 5 a.m. Wednesday, traffic may be detoured to 128th Lane NE. On Wednesday through Friday, traffic control begins at 7 a.m. and ends by 4 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Volunteer with Green Kirkland for Earth Month
Dates and Locations: See below.
April is Earth Month, and you’re invited to help care for local forests and natural areas with the Green Kirkland Partnership. Spring activities include weeding, mulching, and tending to new plantings — come celebrate the season at a park near you! Tools and training are provided. Visit the Green Kirkland calendar to register to volunteer and learn more.
Stewardship Events in April
Kiwanis Community Egg Hunt
Date: Sunday, April 5
Time: 1:30-1:45 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Park | 202 Third Street
Join the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland for the annual Egg Hunt starting at 1:30 p.m. SHARP, rain or shine.
This event is appropriate for all children 11 years and under. For the safety of all children and families, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home. The Egg Hunt is quick, so arrive early for parking and so your children will have a chance to find some chocolate eggs. Bring a basket to gather eggs. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wheels & Reels Winter Drive-In Movie Series
Location: Juanita Beach Park
Cozy up for the last movie of the 2026 Winter Drive-In Movie Series at Juanita Beach Park! Grab your blankets, load up the car, and enjoy Mufasa: The Lion King on our giant 17-foot LED screen. This event happens rain or shine (no refunds), so come prepared! Cars and trucks are welcome, but please leave the limos, RVs, buses, and alcohol at home, and please no tailgating. Registration is $20 per vehicle and is required ahead of time for attendance. Please register based on your vehicle size to ensure the best viewing experience for everyone.
The parking lot opens at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 7 p.m.
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Video Spotlight
Planning a public event in Kirkland? This video walks you through the City of Kirkland’s Special Event permitting process from start to finish. To learn more and begin planning a special event, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/SpecialEvents.