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April 24, 2025
What do trees, driveways, and otters have in common?
Kate Schmiett—Environmental Education Specialist—explains and spotlights two simple ways to protect our water and wildlife while getting up to $5,500 in rebates! Check it out.
The next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, May 6. A preview of that meeting will be available in next week's newsletter.
For a look-ahead of what’s coming up at Council in the next few weeks and months, check out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
For information about City Council, visit kirklandwa.gov/Council
Earth Month has a way of making us wonder: What can I do to help?
Here in Kirkland, we’ve got two easy, rewarding ways to care for the planet—starting right outside your door.
Tree Rebate Program
Trees do more than look good—they clean our air and water, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for local wildlife. With Kirkland’s Tree Rebate Program, you can get money back after you plant a qualifying tree.
Even better? You can apply for a pre-purchase certificate to confirm your tree is eligible before you buy. Rebates cover the cost of the tree, mulch, fertilizer, and other tree care supplies.
Learn more at: kirklandwa.gov/treerebate
Yard Smart Rain Rewards
Pavement and hard surfaces send polluted runoff straight to our streams. But Kirkland’s Yard Smart Rain Rewards program helps properties make changes that keep water clean—like swapping pavement for gardens or installing rain-friendly landscaping.
The program is open to homeowners, multifamily properties, and businesses, and the rebates cover plant purchases, mulch, and even landscaper labor.
Get started today: kirklandwa.gov/YardSmart
Whether you’re planting your first tree or redesigning your yard, our friendly City staff are here to help you every step of the way—no green thumb required.
May is Bike Everywhere Month and Wednesday May 14 is this year's official Bike Everywhere Day (formerly Bike To Work Day). Stop by 'celebration stations' for goodies at Evergreen Point / 520 Trail, or at Feriton Spur Park along the Cross Kirkland Corridor, or wherever there's a station along your route. See the map of celebration stations here: https://cascade.org/rides-events/community-events/bike-everywhere-month-presented-amazon-microsoft-lime/celebration
This week, April 21–27, is National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
Kirkland thrives thanks to the incredible generosity of our volunteers—from those helping at recreation and teen programs to those supporting public safety and serving on boards and commissions. Your time, energy, and care make this city shine.
To celebrate, we’re hosting the annual State of the City and Community Appreciation Night on Tuesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kirkland Performance Center. Join us for an uplifting evening of live performances and awards honoring your impact in 2024. Tickets are free—register online.
Want to get involved? Sign up for our monthly Volunteer Newsletter and discover new ways to make a difference all year long. Learn more and subscribe: kirklandwa.gov/Resident/Volunteer
Join Kirkland’s Office of Emergency Management for a free, one-hour presentation on Wednesday, May 1 at 1 p.m. in the Peter Kirk Room at City Hall. No registration needed—just drop in!
It’s never been easier to take a step toward being more prepared. Learn simple actions that can make a big difference in an emergency. Preparedness isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about starting small, and starting now.
This week, we celebrate both Earth day and National Arbor day! Do you have a tree in Kirkland that makes you stop and smile? Maybe it’s a towering giant in your favorite park or a blooming beauty along your daily walk. Tell us about it!
Submit your favorite public tree (parks, right-of-ways) and a photo if you can. We’ll pick the Top Ten Trees of Kirkland and share them on May 20!
What? You have More than one favorite? That is ok! Submit two separate entries.
Nominate your favorite tree today: https://us.openforms.com/Form/bd377f88-d1b3-4e71-a5fa-169998ee5d61
How will you celebrate Arbor Day this year? If you are not sure, the Arbor Day Foundation has provided 150 ideas for you.
Whatever way you choose we hope it will be Tree-mendous!
There are lots of ways to get involved in this year's Fourth of July Celebrate Kirkland event. Find the one that speaks to you and hop in!
Celebrate Kirkland: Grand Marshall:
Every hometown has heroes. Help us honor ours!
We’re looking for someone who has made a lasting contribution to Kirkland — someone who shows up, gives back, and makes this place better for all of us.
Nominate them as this year’s Grand Marshal of the 4th of July Parade!
Deadline: May 10th!
Nominate now: https://bit.ly/4inb8SY
Celebrate Kirkland: Planning Committee Members Needed:
Want to help shape the July 4th Parade?
Join our Planning Committee!
We’re looking for passionate, creative, and community-minded folks to help bring the magic to life this July 4th!
Roles include:
- Street Decor Lead
- Staging Lead
- Veterans Lead
- Awards Lead
Interested? Apply here: https://bit.ly/3RF8uwZ
Celebrate Kirkland: Volunteers Needed:
Want to be part of something amazing this summer?
We’re looking for volunteers to help make Kirkland’s July 4th celebration run smoothly!
Help greet attendees, guide floats, or hand out goodies — we promise you’ll leave with a full heart.
Sign up today here.
Celebrate Kirkland: Parade Entries:
Want to be in the parade this year?!
Parade entry registration is OPEN! We’re calling all local businesses, performance groups, classic car owners, cultural organizations, artists, and more — come march, roll, dance, or dazzle your way down the streets of Kirkland this July 4th!
Creative floats and costumes encouraged.
Sign up here.
Construction Projects
Find out about construction projects around the City here.
Junk in the Trunk
Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Houghton Park and Play, 6920 NE 70TH PL
Calling all treasure hunters and deal seekers! Join us for Kirkland’s first-ever Junk in the Trunk community garage sale.
Whether you’re looking to declutter or discover a hidden gem, this is the event for you! Snag a spot to sell by Friday, April 25 at https://tinyurl.com/yk4chbff
Mark your calendar to come and browse unique items and treasures, one car trunk at a time. Learn more at www.kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents
For questions please call 425-587-3330
Parks Beautification
Date: Tuesday, May 6
Time: 12 - 2 p.m.
Location: Heritage Park
Every first Tuesday of the month volunteers will gather to do various gardening and maintenance tasks to help keep the park clean and safe.
May 6, join the beautification efforts at Heritage Park!
All experience levels and ages are welcome following the safety and event guidelines (see below). Tools and training are provided. Events are 100% outdoors and occur rain or shine!
Learn more and register on the event page.
Senior Art Show
Opening Reception: Friday, May 9 from 5 - 7 p.m.
Show dates: May 9 - 23
Location: Merrill Gardens, 14 Main Street South
Creativity is ageless! Join us for the opening of the 15th annual Senior Art Show sponsored by the Kirkland Senior Council on Friday, May 9, 2025.
The show will run from May 9 - 23, 2025.
For more information, visit the event page.
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Check out this recap of last's year's Youth Summit to get a glimpse of the awesome work the Kirkland Youth Council is up to!