July 31, 2025 - This Week in Kirkland - Text Version

Published on August 01, 2025

This Week: Council Preview | Beach Closure | Cadet Car Show

City of Kirkland Washington sent this bulletin at 07/31/2025 04:28 PM PDT

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July 31, 2025


Rev your engines! Officer Tiffany Trombley and Cadet Sergeant Ethan Keegan join us to talk about Kirkland’s annual Cadets Benefit Car Show. This free, family-friendly event is full of chrome, community spirit, and Cadet pride. Find out how this event fuels youth leadership and supports the Kirkland Cadet Program. Check it out.

City Council Meeting Preview

The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

*Note, the Council meeting is moved to Wednesday because National Night Out is celebrated during the regularly scheduled Tuesday.

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 special presentation of the flag that was flown by Kirkland firefighters while they were down battling the Palisades fire in January. 
  • Council will receive an update on operations of the Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB).
  • Council will receive the recommendations from the Interview Selection Committee regarding Planning Commission Recruitment.
  • Council will discuss potential membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.

Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will receive an update on the potential Kraken Iceplex and Community Center project at the former Houghton Park and Ride site.


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 August 6 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 of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. 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.

This Week's Headlines

Stay Out of the Water at Houghton Beach and Juanita Beach Re-Opened

As of 4:30 p.m. on July 29, 2025, Public Health – Seattle & King County is recommending that people and pets stay out of the water at the swimming areas of Houghton Beach Park for at least one week due to elevated bacteria levels. Based on the same round of tests, Juanita Beach Park has been reopened for swimming, wading, and other water activities, by recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Read more.


Kirkland Police Arrest Man in $826K Financial Abuse Case

Kirkland Police Detectives have arrested a Kirkland man suspected of stealing more than $826,000 from his elderly mother.

Read more.

Kirkland Police Arrest Serial Commercial Burglar

Kirkland Police Detectives have arrested a 40-year-old Everett man suspected of breaking into businesses across four counties between April and July 2025.

Read more


Celebrate and Connect at Kirkland’s International Night Market on August 13

Celebrate culture from around the world at our inaugural International Night Market on Wednesday, August 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Houghton Park and Play, 6920 NE 70th Place, Kirkland, 98033. This family-friendly event is full of global cuisine, live music and dancing, and a variety of artisan and community vendors.

Read more.


City Breaks Ground on NE 85th Street Shared-Use Pathway Project

The City of Kirkland and Sound Transit kicked off a much-anticipated walking and bicycling project with a recent groundbreaking ceremony near Northeast 85th Street. The project marks a key step toward improving mobility and creating stronger connections between neighborhoods and transit.

Read more.


Check Your Mailbox for the Inaugural Issue of The Kirklander

The City of Kirkland introduces The Kirklander, a brand-new printed newsletter landing in mailboxes across the city. It’s designed to help you stay connected with what’s happening in your local government and your community.

Read more.

Kirkland Cadets to Host 7th Annual Car Show

Join us Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kirkland Justice Center for a free, family-friendly event that celebrates classic and custom cars while supporting the Kirkland Cadet Program.

Have a car to showcase? Register now and receive a swag bag with this year’s commemorative dash plate. Registered participants will also compete for six unique trophies:

  • Participants' Choice
  • Kirkland Cadets' Choice
  • People’s Choice
  • Sponsors' Choice
  • KPD Command Choice
  • Cadets’ “Most Likely to” Choice

Bring the whole family, meet the cadets, and cast your vote for your favorite ride! All proceeds support the Kirkland Cadet Program, a volunteer youth program with the Kirkland Police Department. Donations are welcome via the registration link.

Learn more, register, or donate here

Peter Kirk Park Tree Removal Coming Up

The Lombardy Poplar trees planted to screen the Lee Johnson ballfield at Peter Kirk Park back in the early 1980s are reaching the end of their lives. Poplar trees are well known for their fast growth and short lives. One tree has died and three more are rapidly declining. For the safety of the community, the City plans to remove the dead and dying trees on Monday, August 4, weather permitting. This work is expected to be completed in one day and impacts on traffic flow will be minimal.

Maintaining and increasing the tree canopy in Kirkland's parks and open spaces is a top priority for the Parks and Community Services Department and staff are evaluating options to replace these trees at a three to one ratio elsewhere in our park system.

Do You Know What To Do in a Disaster?

During disasters, the community often provides immediate assistance to those in need. First responders may not be able to get to everyone who needs help in a large disaster.

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) teaches you how to respond when others look to you for help. Are you ready?

Come learn disaster response skills in our upcoming training. Learn more.

Recycling Beyond Your Cart

Many common items are not accepted in curbside recycling or recycling dumpsters. The good news is we have great Recycling Beyond the Cart resources for you at http://kirklandwa.gov/beyondthecart! Below is info on four common items and where to recycle them beyond the cart. 

  1. Household batteries - accepted at Kirkland City Hall, Peter Kirk Community Center, and North Kirkland Community Center
  2. Textiles – donate to Goodwill, bring to the Houghton Transfer Station’s recycling area, or drop off at the Aug 9th Recycle Right Event 
  3. CFL lightbulbs – Kirkland City Hall (lower lobby) (Halogens, LED, and incandescent bulbs are NOT RECYCLABLE and need to be thrown away)
  4. Plastic bags and film - accepted at various grocery stores (Safeway and Fred Meyer), visit Nextrex to find the nearest location 
  5. Recycle Right Events – held seasonally, these events accept many hard-to-recycle items. Check what’s accepted at the August 9th event here.

Volunteer with Green Kirkland in August

Want to get more time outdoors this August? Summer days are a great opportunity to enjoy your local natural areas! Volunteer with the Green Kirkland Partnership and help mulch, weed, and care for baby native plants at a park near you. All are welcome at stewardship events following the youth and event guidelines. Tools, gloves, and training are provided.

Visit the Green Kirkland Event Calendar to learn more and register for upcoming events.

Stewardship events in August

Friday, August 8 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Juanita Bay Park (East) 

Saturday, August 9 | 9 to 11 a.m. - North Rose Hill Woodlands Park

Saturday, August 16 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Windsor Vista Park

Friday, August 22 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Juanita Bay Park (East)

Saturday, August 23 | 9 to 11 a.m. - South Norway Hill Park

The Junior League Softball World Series Is In Full Swing!

Teams from across the globe are giving it their all at Everest Park this week, with games running through Saturday, August 2. Come enjoy the energy of world-class youth sports right here in our backyard, and help mark the 25th anniversary of the series in Kirkland!

So far, the tournament has delivered unforgettable moments:

  • A game between Latin America and Europe-Africa was suspended—not for rain or darkness, but for sunlight. A late start and an intense matchup ended with the sun directly in the eyes of players, umpires, and even the camera crew. The game resumed the next day, with Latin America clinching a dramatic 14-13 win.
  • In one of the wildest comebacks so far, the Central Region overcame a 7-run deficit, then rallied again in the bottom of the 7th to walk off Europe-Africa in a thrilling 16-15 finish.
  • Eight of the ten teams have now advanced to the Championship Round, including four international teams, showcasing the global spirit of the game.

Come down to Everest Park, feel the buzz, and be part of this milestone moment in Kirkland’s sporting history.

Check out the tournament schedule and livestream link at https://www.littleleague.org/world-series/2025/jlsws/tournaments/world-series/

Remaining games:

Friday, August 1 - Semifinals at 1 and 4 p.m.

Saturday, August 2 - Championship at 1 p.m.

Lead Kirkland’s Infrastructure Forward

The City of Kirkland is seeking a visionary Director of Public Works to lead a dynamic team and oversee vital infrastructure systems including water, sewer, stormwater, streets, solid waste, fleet, and public facilities.

This executive role is your opportunity to: 

  • Serve the public with purpose and integrity 
  • Belong to a collaborative, mission-driven leadership team 
  • Thrive in a forward-thinking City that values innovation, equity, and sustainability 

You’ll lead major capital projects, shape regional partnerships, and guide a talented department committed to excellence.

This role comes with incredible benefits including 100% City-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs

Traffic Alerts

Slater Avenue Northeast/132nd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor

Kirkland’s contractor expects to pave Slater/132nd Avenues Northeast including the intersection with Northeast 124th Street. Grinding is expected on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and paving Thursday, Aug. 7 and is likely to cause substantial delays. The CKC trail is closed Monday to Friday from 128th Place Northeast to Slater Avenue Northeast. This weekday trail closure is expected into August. 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. 


18th Avenue

Paving 18th Avenue is expected this week and next, from Market Street to Crestwoods Park. This street is part of the 2025 Annual Overlay Program. The overlay program will also repave the Crestwoods Park parking lot at the end of August. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for project updates on Thursdays.


Northeast 85th Street

Drivers on Northeast 85th Street will encounter traffic control reducing eastbound travel to one-lane from Peter Kirk Park. Westbound travel will be reduced to one-lane to Sixth Street. The Cross Kirkland Corridor is closed from Northeast 85th Street to Northeast 87th Street as work begins overhead. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.

On Northeast 85th Street east of I-405, traffic will be impacted overnight from 8 p.m. as Kirkland’s contractor builds a eastbound third-lane between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. 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

Drivers should plan to utilize Northeast 117th Place for the next month as Kirkland’s contractor beings installing two walls on Northeast 116th Place. Construction resumed on June 9 and is expected to be complete by fall. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill for project updates on Thursdays.


100th Avenue Northeast

OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.


124th Avenue Northeast

Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Paving occurred on July 20, and final striping will occur after the asphalt has sufficiently cured to accept the treatment. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.

Upcoming Events

Movies Under the Stars: Free Double Features

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a FREE double feature on our giant LED movie screen. The movies start at 6pm & 8pm. Sponsored by the City of Kirkland and EvergreenHealth. Don’t forget to bring your favorite movie snacks!

Heritage Park Movie Dates & Titles

  • August 2: "IF" & "The Fall Guy"
  • August 9: "Finding Dory" & "Ghost Busters: Frozen Empire"
  • Location: Heritage Park, 111 Waverly Way

For more information, please visit www.kirklandwa.gov/communitybuildingevents or call 425-587-3330.


Climb aboard the coolest vehicles at City Hall 4 All! Fire engines, garbage trucks, police cars, and even more big rigs will be there for you to explore. This is your chance to see them up close and snap some awesome photos. Everyone’s invited. Don’t miss it! 

Saturday, September 13

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave 


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

What does the Library Board do? Watch our video to find out about past and future exciting projects.