February 19, 2026 - This Week in Kirkland - Text Version
Published on February 20, 2026
Council Recap | Stewards Wanted | Protecting our Waters | Pruning Plans | KTUB Updates
City of Kirkland Washington sent this bulletin 02/19/2026 05:01 PM PST
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- Get in the Know About Getting in the Know
- City Council Recap
- Get Questions Answered & Lend Your Voice
- Kirkland’s Plan to Protect Our Local Waters is Open for Public Comment
- Job Opening: Temporary Associate Project Engineer
- Did You Know You Can Help Tend a Highway?
- Lead Habitat Stewardship in Your Parks: Spring Orientation
- Winter is the Perfect Time to Review Your Pruning Plan
- New Options to Hang and Play at KTUB!
- Traffic Alerts
- Upcoming Events
- Video Spotlight
Get in the Know About Getting in the Know
Kirkland’s Communications Program Manager and mainstay podcast host David Wolbrecht does double duty as a guest of the show to tell us all about how to stay informed and engaged with your local city government. Check it out.
City Council Recap
The Kirkland City Council met on February 17, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the Business portion of the meeting:
- Council received an update on options for covering the Peter Kirk Pool. Council directed staff to proceed with designing an activity pool to replace the current wading pool as well as design options for pool enclosures.
- Council authorized the City Manager to acquire property adjacent to Mark Twain Park that will both expand the park and improve access to park goers.
- Council postponed its decision on an updated Interlocal Agreement with the Lake Washington School District that would return maintenance and scheduling of LWSD's athletic fields back to the District. The Council had questions regarding maintenance levels, and staff will return to a future Council meeting with an update.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed both new state parking requirements as well as the 2026-2027 Park Board Workplan in a joint meeting.
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. To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The Council will be holding a retreat on February 27.
The next City Council meeting is on March 3.
Information of both of these meetings is available on the City's website.
Get Questions Answered & 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)
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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!
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See an issue needing to be addressed?
Whether it's potholes, graffiti, downed trees, or otherwise, let us know through Our Kirkland!
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Kirkland’s Plan to Protect Our Local Waters is Open for Public Comment
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The City of Kirkland has posted its 2026 Draft Stormwater Management Program Plan and invites community members to review and submit comments or suggestions by February 28, 2026. The draft plan outlines potential actions the City may take to reduce stormwater pollution and protect our lakes and streams.
Stormwater pollution is a leading cause of contamination in Kirkland’s creeks, lakes, and wetlands. Pollutants come from everyday activities such as driving, yard care, pet waste management, car washing, and land development. Preventing stormwater pollution involves reducing the contaminants we use and treating any runoff before it reaches our local waters.
Read the full news release.
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Job Opening: Temporary Associate Project Engineer
At the City of Kirkland, our Temporary Associate Project Engineer isn’t stuck behind a desk dreaming about infrastructure – you're out there helping make it happen. Sidewalks, streets, utilities, public spaces – if it improves life in Kirkland, you’ll play a key role in making it happen.
You’ll SERVE by supporting the projects that keep Kirkland running smoothly – reviewing plans, tracking budgets, coordinating with crews, and helping turn concepts into construction.
You’ll BELONG on a Public Works team that values curiosity, initiative, and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re early in your engineering career or looking to expand hands-on experience, you’ll be surrounded by professionals who are invested in mentoring, teamwork, and shared success.
And you’ll THRIVE gaining hands-on experience from design through construction, building skills and confidence while seeing the real impact of your work.
This role is temporary and currently funded through 12/31/2026, making it a fantastic opportunity to jump in, make an impact, and grow.
While you’re making a positive impact, we’ll support you with:
- 100% City-paid medical, dental & vision premiums
- Retirement & generous paid leave
- Growth & training opportunities
- A collaborative team that values your work
Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs
Did You Know You Can Help Tend a Highway?
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Every Sunday morning, weather permitting, a dedicated team of Adopt-a-Highway volunteers heads out to tackle litter along I-405 in Kirkland and SR 522 in Woodinville. Led by passionate community members, this group of about 10 volunteers has made a remarkable difference removing over 2,100 bags of litter in the past five years.
Clean roads aren’t just about aesthetics. They reflect the pride we all feel in our neighborhoods. Plus, litter left on roadways often ends up in storm drains and creeks, carrying plastics, cigarette butts, and other pollutants into our environment. These volunteers are helping prevent that, one bag at a time.
Their work is a powerful reminder that small actions add up to big impacts. When volunteers step up, Kirkland shines brighter.
If you feel inspired to help, reach out to volunteer@kirklandwa.gov to get connected with this group.
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Lead Habitat Stewardship in Your Parks: Spring Orientation
Join the Green Kirkland Steward team and help restore Kirkland’s natural areas while connecting with your community.
What’s a Steward? Ongoing volunteers who lead forest restoration projects in local parks—with training and support from Kirkland Parks. No experience needed—just a love for green spaces!
Spring 2026 Orientation - Free & Open to All*:
Session 1: Program & Urban Forestry Overview (Online) Thursday, March 19 | 6–8 p.m. | Zoom
Session 2: Field Training in Restoration Practices (In-person) Saturday, March 21 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Kirkland Park TBD
Session 3: Site & Volunteer Management (Online) Thursday March 26 | 6–8 p.m. | Zoom
Register for all three sessions on the New Steward Orientation Event Page. Learn more about the role at the Ongoing Volunteer Roles page on the Green Kirkland website or contact Jeremy Jones, Program Coordinator: jjones@kirklandwa.gov.
*Youth under 18: please attend all sessions with an adult.
Winter is the Perfect Time to Review Your Pruning Plan
Take a close look at your trees this winter—it's the ideal season to assess their structure and prune if needed.
Before we know it, new leaves will cover the trees and bird nesting season will be upon us. We do not want to prune in the spring and early summer unless we have to.
As you assess you trees this winter, remember:
- Have a pruning plan! Proper pruning can take multiple seasons to reach your goals while keeping your trees healthy.
- No topping or heading cuts are allowed unless you have a permit with a certified arborist's plan. These cuts can cause long term damage to your tree.
- Keep your canopy! Removing more than 25% of a tree’s canopy and leaves can starve your tree. Heavy pruning requires a city permit and a certified arborist.
- If dealing with storm damage, you can leave the natural break for bird habitat, or prune the branch back appropriately with a clean cut—just make sure to follow the guidelines above.
Need resources? Check out the Pacific Northwest International Society of Arboriculture ( https://pnwisa.org/page/pruning) or the Trees are Good ( https://www.treesaregood.org/home/tree-owner-resources/pruning-your-trees ) pruning pages for helpful information.
Care for your trees the right way to protect their health and beauty for years to come!
New Options to Hang and Play at KTUB!
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The Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) now has new options for both teens and littles.
For high schoolers: KTUB is extending drop-in hours just for teens. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy chill study space, free coffee and snacks, and the best teen hangout in Kirkland. Come check us out and learn more about what KTUB has to offer.
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For littles: Wet Pacific Northwest winter dampening playground fun? Join us at KTUB for a new indoor playground on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don't miss out on all the climbing, riding, pushing, pulling and spinning fun. The indoor playground is for kids 9 months to 5 years old. Adults must supervise their children at all times. The cost is $4 is per child per visit.
Questions? Email KTUB@kirklandwa.gov or call 425-587-3370.
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Traffic Alerts
(1) Northeast 85th Street: Shared Use Pathway
Northeast 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 parallel’s Northeast 85th Street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
(2) 124th Avenue Northeast Pedestrian Improvements
Drivers should expect southbound lane shift between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 124th Avenue Northeast from the Tolt Pipeline Trail to Northeast 145th Street. Work expected to begin February 19 on this sidewalk project on the west side of 124th Avenue Northeast.
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Upcoming Events
Juanita Beach Dog Park Ribbon Cutting
Date: Friday, February 20
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Dog Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive
You’re invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony for Juanita Beach Dog Park to celebrate the fact it is now permanent! Learn more about dog parks in Kirkland on the City's website.
Conversations with Council
Date: Saturday, February 21
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Kingsgate Library
The City recently launched a new pilot program, Conversations with Council, which offers regular opportunities for community members to engage informally with your Kirkland City Councilmembers at locations around Kirkland. There is no agenda or presentation—just conversation. BYOT! (Bring your own topic!) For more information about the program, and other ways to engage with the City, please visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Council/Conversations-with-Council
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Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland
Come celebrate Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse. This festive community event will feature light refreshments, hands-on arts and crafts, and a variety of cultural performances presented by the Seattle Chinese Arts Group and Mak Fai Lion Dance Association. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore an educational gallery showcasing the rich history and traditions of Lunar New Year. Whether you're familiar with the holiday or curious to learn more, this celebration offers something for everyone. The event is free and open to all, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy an afternoon of fun, learning, and cultural connection. For more information, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents or call 425-587-3300.
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For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up to date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
Video Spotlight
Wonder what's happened with the poplar trees along Central Way at Peter Kirk Park? Check out our Rep'd video on the topic to get the latest.