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August 28, 2025
From free mental health resources to creative workshops and a safe place to connect, the Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) is full of perks you’ll love. KTUB has your back-to-school transition covered. Come for fun, friends, and more. Check it out.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will receive an update on the draft speed limit setting policy, a deliverable of the Kirkland Transportation Safety Action Plan.
- Council will review and provide direction on the scope of work for a transit needs study.
- Council will review the human services grants rapid response plan and consider approval of the related fiscal note to fund local nonprofits in response to growing impacts of federal level policy changes.
- Council will provide direction on the addition of two new positions - a Human Services Supervisor and a Housing Case Manager - to expand and sustain the City's coordinated homelessness response.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
- Draft code amendments for two community-initiated amendment requests for the Michael's and Goodwill properties in Juanita.
- Proposed updates to the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program.
Meeting details:
The business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. study session. The agenda for the September 2 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
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.
The City of Kirkland has launched a new partnership with the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) to bring a dedicated full-time legal advocate to support victims of sexual assault in Kirkland.
“Our community believes in supporting survivors with compassion and action,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone. “This partnership strengthens Kirkland’s response to sexual assault by providing dedicated trauma-informed support to survivors whether or not they choose to report or engage with the criminal justice system. This pilot project reflects the City’s commitment to ensuring that no one has to navigate the legal system alone after experiencing sexual assault.”
Read more.
It’s time once again to mark your dog’s adventure calendar for the City of Kirkland’s fourth annual “See Spot Splash” event on Saturday, September 6, 2025. This one-day event occurs at the Peter Kirk Community Pool followed by off-leash running next door on the Lee Johnson Baseball Field.
“This fun and beloved event brings hundreds of pups together for splashes, zoomies, and pure happiness,” said Councilmember Jon Pascal. “Join the fun and get big-smile pictures that last a lifetime.”
Read more.
As of 4 p.m. on August 26, 2025, Public Health – Seattle & King County is recommending that people and pets stay out of the water at the swimming areas of Juanita Beach Park for at least one week due to elevated bacteria levels. Signs will be positioned to indicate that people and pets should stay out of the water. The rest of Juanita Beach Park remains open.
Based on the same round of tests, Houghton Beach Park has been reopened as of 4 p.m. on August 26 for swimming, wading, and other water activities, by recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County.
Read more.
High bacteria levels from goose droppings is the most likely reason that beaches closured this summer. So what’s the City doing?
- Educating people, not geese. Signs, lifeguard outreach, and reminders in this newsletter and on social media help spread the word: never feed geese.
- Chasing them off. Park Rangers and staff actively move geese out of parks and continue testing deterrents like decoys and special lighting.
- Getting creative. Remote-controlled trucks and boats now help shoo geese from the shoreline—tools we’ll use even more next summer.
Together, these efforts aim to keep geese on the move and Kirkland’s beaches open and safe.
City administrative offices are closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal, and over the phone will resume 8 a.m., Tuesday, September 2.
For 2025 City Hall closures, visit the City’s website.
The Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB), located in Peter Kirk Park, is kicking off the school year with new hours, fresh programs, and even more ways for teens to connect.
Starting in September, KTUB opens 30 minutes earlier: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2:30 to 6 p.m., and Wednesdays from 1 to 6 p.m. Teens can drop in to study, hang out with friends, or join an activity.
This fall’s lineup includes Crochet Crew, cooking classes, and a Dungeons & Dragons club. Music-minded teens can look forward to an 8-week recording studio program (schedule coming soon) offered in partnership with 4 Tomorrow.
KTUB is also launching a weekly peer support group on Thursdays at 5 p.m., facilitated by a Youth Eastside Services counselor, providing a safe space for teens to share and connect.
Parents and teens alike have asked for study spaces, creative outlets, and supportive services, and KTUB is delivering!
Don’t miss the End of Summer Outdoor Party this Saturday, August 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Peter Kirk Park! Please pre-register to help us plan for snacks.
For updates and monthly calendars, follow KTUB on Facebook and Instagram.
With the new school year fast approaching, a reminder to watch your speed in school zones for the safety of students and families going to and from school.
School zone cameras will be activated on September 2 and are located near John Muir Elementary / Kamiakin Middle School, Rose Hill Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, and Henry David Thoreau Elementary / Finn Hill Middle School / Carl Sandberg Elementary.
The speed limit in all school zones is 20 MPH and is enforced 30 minutes before and after the start of school and 30 minutes before and after the end of the school.
Reminder that near Finn Hill Middle and Carl Sandburg Elementary Schools, there will be a longer speed enforcement period within the combined school zones on 84th Ave NE where these schools (including Henry David Thoreau) are located. The enforcement period will last 2 hours and 30 minutes.
For more information about the school zone safety camera program, visit the City’s website.
It’s back to school time! That means parents or buses will be dropping kids off and more kids will be walking or rolling to school. For drivers, that means slowing down, paying attention, and having patience – especially before and after school.
Here are some safety tips for sharing the road:
- When dropping off, follow your school’s procedures and don't double park - it blocks visibility for other kids and vehicles
- Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light - that forces kids to go around you and could put them in the path of moving traffic
- In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to kids crossing the street
- Always stop for a crossing guard holding up a stop sign
Reminder about sharing the road with school buses:
- It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children on an undivided road.
- Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it’s stopped to load or unload kids
- If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop on undivided roads
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
- If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing
One more reminder: school zone cameras will be activated on September 5 at four locations in Kirkland: near John Muir Elementary/Kamiakin Middle School, Rose Hill Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, and Henry David Thoreau Elementary/Finn Hill Middle School/Carl Sandberg Elementary. These cameras operate 30 minutes before and after the start of school and 30 minutes before and after the end of school. More information can be found on the City’s website.
Join us for this free, drop-in event. The Senior Resource Fair is a fun and informative fair offering a wide variety of community resources for older adults and their families!
Whether you're exploring options for health, housing, caregiving, or just looking to connect with local services, this event is your one-stop shop for information, support, and friendly faces.
No registration needed. Just stop by, browse, and enjoy!
Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave
Age: 50+ and their families
Cost: Free
One of our biggest stories this week came from the water at Juanita Beach Park. National media picked it up, the community was talking about it, and it quickly became one of our most popular posts. We're of course talking about an alligator snapping turtle spotted under the dock.
Big thanks to Lifeguard Supervisor Dani, who safely removed the turtle and kept beachgoers safe. While they may look fascinating, snapping turtles are invasive and can be aggressive. Their powerful jaws can cause serious injury, so if you see one, please keep your distance and alert a lifeguard or park staff immediately.
We’re grateful to Dani, our lifeguard team, Animal Control Officer Arnold, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for their quick response and teamwork in keeping the beach safe and fun for everyone.
What exactly is an invasive species?
To be an invasive species, the organism must 1) be not native to a given region, and 2) negatively impact the region. These negative impacts include environmental degradation, significant economic investment in their management, and concerns for human health. Without natural predators, invasive species prey on or out-compete our native species, thus pushing our native species closer to extinction and causing a ripple effect along the food chain.
How do we control the spread of invasive animals?
The animal must be removed as quickly as possible. Washington State has classified the invasive Alligator snapping turtle as "prohibited." As a result, a licensed professional will humanely euthanize the prohibited animal, preventing its impact on our natural spaces. WDFW will determine any exceptions. It can be exciting to see such a massive and fascinating creature at the beach, but ultimately the animal is harming that beautiful environment you were originally drawn to.
How did the turtle get to Kirkland?
Without visual evidence, we can't be certain where a specific invasive animal originated. However, in the case of a lone Alligator snapping turtle, the animal was most likely released by someone who no longer wanted it as a pet. If you find yourself with an unwanted pet, don't let it loose. For information on what to do instead, visit https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/campaigns/dont-let-it-loose/.
If you notice an invasive species, plant or animal, report it to the Washington Invasive Species Council at https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/.
For more information on invasive animals, visit the WDFW website: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/invasive
School begins for Lake Washington School District schools on Tuesday, September 2nd. School begins for Northshore School District schools on Wednesday, September 3. Please drive alertly with caution as areas around schools will have increased activity as the school year begins.
Market Street @ 9th Avenue
Market Street will be closed northbound at 7th Avenue on August 28th and 29th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southbound Market Street will be closed at 8th Avenue West on Sept. 2nd and 3rd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work on the Stores to Shores Greenway project will close one direction of Market Street as listed to work on the crossing. Short detours will be posted onsite. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/storestoshores for project updates on Thursdays.
100th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter daytime work to raise utility access along the freshly paved section of 100th Avenue Northeast south of Simonds Road Northeast. Final paving north of Simonds Road Northeast is expected in September.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
2025 Street Overlay Program
18th Avenue is paved from Market Street to Crestwoods Park. Kirkland’s contractor will alternate traffic through the project area as they raise the utilities to the new road surface. Crestwoods Park parking lot is expected to be paved August 25-29.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for project updates on Thursdays.
Central Way Street Preservation
Kirkland is paving Central Way from Market Street to 6th Street. Drivers can expect temporary lane shifts as Lakeside Industries crews prepare the street for overlay. Most work will occur during the day, but final paving is expected to occur at night. Grinding the street is expected to begin as early as September 8. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 85th Street: I-405 to 6th Street
Northeast 85th Street is a single lane in each direction from I-405 to 6th Street for the NE 85th Street shared-use pathway project. The Cross Kirkland Corridor is closed at Northeast 85th Street to Northeast 87th Street.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 85th Street: 122th Avenue Northeast to 120nd Avenue Northeast
On Northeast 85th Street east of I-405, daytime work has begun to build the soldier pile wall on the north side of Northeast 85th Street between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. Daytime work will reduce eastbound traffic to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Overnight, traffic will be impacted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as Kirkland’s contractor upgrades the stormwater facilities and other utility work. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
Goat Hill
Kirkland's contractor will continue preparing the roads for asphalt and will have shifting work zones throughout the week. Northeast 116th Place and Northeast 117th Place are expected to be open each night, but Kirkland’s contractor advises drivers utilize Northeast 116th during this phase of construction. Paving is now expected to begin September 2. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill for project updates on Thursdays.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Pavement markings are now applied, and this project is headed towards completion. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
2025 Street Slurry Seal Program
Various residential streets in the Finn Hill and Juanita area will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as crews slurry seal the pavement. Residents impacted have received mailed and hand delivered notices to prepare for the impacts. Several streets will be rescheduled. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/slurryseal for updates, project map, and rescheduled dates when available.
Slater Avenue Northeast/132nd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor
Permanent lane markings will be added once the new asphalt has cured, and installation of the long-lead items is expected in early 2026. Trail users will detour to the intersection of Northeast 124th Street as we do not have a working, signalized crossing until early 2026. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/CKC-to-Eastrail-Crossing-at-Slater-Ave-NE-132nd-Ave-NE for project updates on Thursdays.
KTUB - End of Summer Outdoor Party
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Teen Union Building
FREE event. Come bid farewell to the summer and say hello to the new school year with friends. Enjoy games, snacks, drinks, and more. Pre-register so we can plan the right amount food.
City Hall For All
Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall
✨ So many things to do at City Hall for All! From big attractions to little surprises, the day is packed with fun:
🚚 Truck-a-palooza
🐾 Foster animals for adoption
📚 Storytime + book swap
🎨 Art show
🔧 Fixer Fair
🌳 Tree giveaways
🌎 Sustainability Showcase
🛍️ Pop-Up Market
🩸 Blood drive
📸 Future Mayor photo op
🪂 Toy parachute drops (hourly)
🤝 Community Partners & Organizations
🎟️ Art Stamp activity
🍴 Food trucks
Cadet Benefit Car Show
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Justice Center
Join us for the 7th Annual Kirkland Cadet Benefit Car Show, a free event for spectators and a must-see for car lovers.
Bring the family, meet the cadets, and vote for your favorite car!
All proceeds benefit the Kirkland Cadet Program, a volunteer youth program with the Kirkland Police Department. If you'd like to support the program, donations are welcome via the registration link.
For more information or to learn how to join the Kirkland Cadets, visit the City website.
Health and Wellness Fair
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Juanita High School, 10601 NE 132nd St
This event will offer a range of services, including FREE Health, Mental, and Dental Services, Health Screening, Immunizations, Mammogram Van, food distribution, and various vaccines for children, youth, and adults. Participants will have access to information about community services, education, and local resources and supports. Also, fun activities for the whole family, food, music, raffles, giveaways, and much more!
For more information about this event, volunteering, and exhibitor opportunities, please contact: support@promotoresnetwork.org
For more information, visit the event webpage.
https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/Community-Events/Parks-and-Community-Services/Kirkland-Health-and-Wellness-Fair
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