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June 19, 2025
Jen Davis Hayes, the City’s new Economic Development Manager, tells you the what, the when, and the how to turn your idea into Kirkland’s next big event. Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on June 17, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council adopted Resolution R-5686 affirming that the City of Kirkland is a welcoming, inclusive, and safe city for the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Intersex, Asexual Plus (2SLGBTQIA+) community.
- Council adopted Code Amendments related to Middle Housing.
- Council received an update from Connections Kirkland on the Crisis Response Center in Totem Lake.
- The Mayor Proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth and June 20 as World Refugee Day in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed the draft Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan.
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.
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 next City Council meeting is on July 1, 2025.
Got a bold vision for a new Kirkland event? Or maybe you’re ready to take an existing festival to the next level? This could be your moment.
The 2026 Explore Kirkland Tourism Grant application is now open through noon on Monday, July 21. About $60,000 in funding is available to help make unforgettable, tourism-driving events happen.
We’re looking for programs that show off the very best of our community and brings visitors from more than 50 miles away.
Past funded events include Tasveer Film Festival, Summerfest, Oktoberfest, the Lake Washington Half Marathon, and the Junior Softball World Series.
Applications and details available on the City's Tourism Program webpage.
Questions? Email us: tourism@kirklandwa.gov
With Independence Day just around the corner, here’s your friendly reminder: all fireworks - including sparklers - are banned year-round in Kirkland. The ban helps protect our community from injuries, fires, and property damage. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy permitted public displays instead.
This summer, you may notice solar-powered security camera trailers in our waterfront parks. These temporary safety tools are part of a proactive partnership between Kirkland Police and our Parks & Community Services team to help deter crime and keep our parks welcoming for everyone.
As park visits increase during the warmer months, Kirkland Police has been seeing more after-hours activity and vandalism. To address this, trailers were recently placed at Houghton Beach Park and O.O. Denny Park. These security trailers will be placed in response to crime trends and investigative needs, and are just one step we're taking to maintain safe and fun public spaces.
Thank you for helping us keep our parks clean, safe, and enjoyable for all!
Kirkland's waterfront is a summer favorite—and that means more people walking, rolling, biking, and driving near beaches, marinas, and parks. Whether you're headed to the lake or just passing through, please:
- Watch for people in crosswalks—especially near waterfront parks
- Slow down and stay alert—expect more bikes, scooters, and foot traffic
- Be patient—it’s summer, and everyone’s trying to enjoy the sunshine safely
And while you're out on the water, don’t forget your life jackets and boating safety basics.
Let’s look out for each other—on the roads, on the trails, and on the lake.
Kirkland’s greenery is beautiful, but when vegetation grows into sidewalks and streets it can create safety issues. Here’s how to help keep our community walkable and safe:
- Property owners are responsible for maintaining the area next to their property, including trimming plants that hang over or block sidewalks, streets, or alleys.
- Sidewalks must be clear across their full width. This helps everyone—especially neighbors with strollers, wheelchairs, or visual impairments—get around safely.
- Don’t blow leaves into the street. It’s prohibited and can clog storm drains, create hazards, and delay street sweeping. Use proper yard waste disposal.
Learn more about sidewalks and roadways, trees, mowing and more, on our Streets and Grounds webpage.
While early summer isn’t ideal for pruning, it’s okay to lightly trim low-hanging branches if they’re blocking sidewalks, signs, or your enjoyment of shade. Just be careful—summer pruning can stress trees and should be done sparingly.
Tips for safe pruning:
- Don’t remove more than 25% of the canopy. It harms tree health and violates City rules.
- Aim for 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks.
- Use hand pruners or loppers for light pruning (not chainsaws), and clean tools between trees.
- Make clean cuts back to a trunk or branch, avoiding stubs and bark damage.
If the job feels too big, work with neighbors or hire a Certified Arborist. A light touch now keeps your tree healthy and enjoyable all summer.
For more information about trees in Kirkland, including permitting, visit kirklandwa.gov/trees
National Night out is back on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. This annual event is observed across the country to strengthen police-community partnerships and build connections between neighbors.
Planning a neighborhood block party? You can request a street closure and invite City Councilmembers or first responders to come by and say hello. Visit the City's website to register your event and learn more!
Starting in early 2026, many police, fire, and EMS agencies in King County will begin using encrypted radios. This means their radio communications will only be heard by first responders, not the public. The change helps protect private information shared during emergencies and improves the safety of first responders and the people they serve.
The new system is part of a countywide upgrade to the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN), which offers better coverage, security, and coordination during emergencies. While the public won’t be able to listen to some radio channels in real time, agencies will continue to share important updates through social media, news releases, and public records requests. Learn more about PSERN.
Are you friendly, organized, and love working with people? Join our team as a Recreation Attendant and help support community programs, events, and rentals! Whether you're greeting guests, setting up activities, or ensuring everything runs smoothly, you'll be the face of fun in Kirkland. This is a great opportunity to build your resume, gain hands-on experience, and get involved in your local community.
Join us as a Recreation Attendant - a non-benefited, flexible position perfect for students, recent graduates, or anyone seeking short-term work.
Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs
NE 85th Street (upcoming traffic impacts)
Drivers should prepare for the construction zone to increase on both sides of I-405 on NE 85th Street. Two City projects, both of which are the direct result of Sound Transit’s improvements to the I-405 interchange, will begin construction soon. On the west side of I-405, traffic control will reduce eastbound travel to one-lane from Peter Kirk Park. Westbound travel will be reduced to one-lane to Sixth Street. This shared-use pathway project is now expected to begin on July 7. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
On the east side of I-405, traffic will be impacted in the near future overnight as Kirkland’s contractor builds a eastbound third-lane between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. A starting date for this project is yet to be determined. Day work is also anticipated but is expected to primarily be conducted out of the roadway. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
Juanita Drive
Drivers will encounter one lane traffic on Northeast Juanita Drive near 86th Avenue Northeast. Flaggers will alternate traffic between 9am and 3pm. Drivers should expect delays during this time. Kirkland contractor is updating the storm water system at this location. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-Juanita-Dr-and-86th-Ave-NE-Storm-Improvements-Project for more information.
Slater Avenue Northeast/132nd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor
Slater/132nd Avenues Northeast is permanently reduced to a single lane heading north from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 126th Place. This is consistent with Slater Avenue Northeast to the South and 132nd Avenue to the North. Drivers will encounter traffic control and heavy equipment as this project creates a signalized crossing from the end of the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail to King County’s Eastrail, as well as more pedestrian and bicyclist improvements. Construction is expected to be completed this fall. 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.
98th Avenue Northeast
Drivers may encounter a single northbound lane reduction on 98th Avenue Northeast from the Forbes Creek Bridge to Northeast 110th Street as Kirkland’s contractor builds new sidewalk to connect to the neighborhood with Market Street. Additionally, a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is being added by this project to the Market Street intersection with 19th Avenue/19th Avenue West crossing. Work at both these locations will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid most commuter traffic. This project is funded by the Transportation Benefit District.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on the east side of the street on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. Paving is currently scheduled for mid-July. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue 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.
Public Swim is here!
Grab your suits and sunscreen—Public Swim at the Peter Kirk Pool started June 7!
Swim times: 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM
Each session lasts 55 minutes
Cost: $7 per swimmer
Whether you're splashing with friends or just cooling off, we've got the perfect way to kick off summer!
For full schedules, pool rules, and all things aquatics, head to: www.kirklandwa.gov/pool
Feriton Spur Park Concerts
Location: Feriton Spur Park, 509 6th Street South
The free performing arts series will bring diverse performances to the amphitheater for neighbors, trail users, and the community.
- Wednesday, July 09, 2025 | 6 - 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 6 - 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 6 - 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 30, 2025 | 6 - 8 p.m.
For more information, visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/Community-Events/Parks-and-Community-Services/Special-Events-Division/Summer-Concerts-at-Feriton-Spur
Outdoor Movie Series
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Beach Drive
Save the dates for the 2025 Outdoor Summer Movie Series at Juanita Beach Park.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a double feature on our giant LED movie screen.
Movies start at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Schedule
July 12: "Despicable Me 4" (PG) and "Wonka" (PG)
July 19: "Migration" (PG) and "Madame Web" (PG-13)
July 26: "Kung Fu Panda 4" (PG) and "The Marvels" (PG-13)
Questions? Call 425-587-3336.
For more information, visit: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/Community-Events/Parks-and-Community-Services/Outdoor-Summer-Movie-Series-July
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Take a brief moment to brush up on simple ways you can safely enjoy waterfront areas, and have the most fun this summer. Watch this short video.