View with images
March 27, 2025
How does a farm kid turned basketball champ end up digging graves and wrangling wildlife in Kirkland’s parks? This week, Parks Superintendant Jason Filan shares his 35-year journey from seasonal worker to seasoned pro. PLUS the wackiest things he’s encountered on the job—including a Dale Chihuly sculpture, surprise wildlife, and tasks you’d never expect.
Check it out.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This will be a hybrid meeting, and community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda for the April 1 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will consider the 2025-2026 City Work Program, which identifies several high priority projects for the City over the next two years.
- Council will review the 2025 work plan for expanded Council engagement with the community
- Council will receive a briefing on the draft 2025-2027 Planning Work Program that guides the Planning and Building Department's work over the next three years on long-range planning projects
- Council will receive an update on the Legislative Priorities Agenda
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
- Financing options for the Houghton Village property
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 April 1 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.
10,000 Podcast Downloads—Thanks to YOU!
We just hit a huge milestone: 10,000 downloads! That’s 10,000 episodes of listeners tuning in to stay connected, learning something new, and celebrating Kirkland.
If you haven’t listened yet, now’s the perfect time to join in.
Tune in now: kirklandwa.gov/podcast
How can I contact the City with questions, requests, or suggestions?
You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app. Submitting your comments through Our Kirkland ensures the right staff receives the information and can follow up with you.
Step into an evening where Kirkland’s spirit of community shines bright. Join in celebration and connection at the 2025 State of the City Address and Community Appreciation Night on May 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.
The night is a dynamic mix of entertainment and civic pride. Enjoy live performances, heartwarming volunteer recognitions, and an engaging address from Mayor Curtis about Kirkland’s shared vision for the place we call home. It’s an evening designed to bring us together—through music, stories, and shared appreciation for the people who make Kirkland special.
Learn more and register.
Dive in and make this summer one to remember! Kirkland Parks & Community Services is hiring for seasonal roles, from lifeguards to camp leaders. Gain skills, make connections, and serve your community—all while having fun!
Attend our Parks Job Fair on April 5 @ 10 a.m. at North Kirkland Community Center.
Apply in advance for on-site interviews.
Seasonal jobs can offer lifelong skills. Join our team today!
Explore open positions at www.kirklandwa.gov/ParksJobs
Are you a federal or military professional looking for your next career move? The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) is actively hiring and welcomes candidates with experience in service, leadership, and public safety.
To support your transition into law enforcement, KPD is offering Public Safety Testing (PST) vouchers to cover the cost of your exam - subject to availability. This is a great opportunity to take the next step toward a rewarding career with a highly respected, community-focused police department.
As a member of KPD, you’ll join a team dedicated to protecting and serving the Kirkland community with honor, integrity, and courage. Our officers come from diverse backgrounds, and we value the skills and experience gained through federal and military service. Contact policerecruiting@kirklandwa.gov to learn more.
Yard Smart Rain Rewards is an exciting opportunity for Kirkland homeowners to beautify their yards and help slow and filter rainwater runoff before it flows to our creeks and lakes. Qualified homes can take advantage of free technical assistance and financial rebates up to $5,000 to install rain gardens and native landscaping on their property. Some homes may also be eligible for rebates to help cover the cost of replacing a traditional asphalt driveway with permeable pavers!
Find out if your home is eligible and schedule a free site visit today at https://calendly.com/yardsmart.
Get ready for the 2025 boating season with Kirkland’s Seasonal Boat Launch Cards!
Spring is here, and it's time to get your boat ready for the water. Kirkland’s Seasonal Boat Launch Cards are now available for purchase. Securing your card ensures unlimited launches from April 1 through October 31. For just $70, Kirkland residents can enjoy the convenience of all-season access to the boat launch, while single-use fees are also an option for casual boaters.
Visit www.kirklandparks.net or stop by City Hall to get yours today! Proof of residency is required for the discounted price.
This week, during Women's History Month, Kirkland staff came together to celebrate women in leadership at the Women’s Leadership Summit. City staff gathered for a meaningful event designed not only to honor the women leading across our City and region but also to foster community, mentorship, and development.
The event offered an empowering space for skills training, ongoing personal growth, and the opportunity to connect with fellow women leaders.
A special moment of the event was the reading of the Women’s History Month proclamation - a powerful reminder of the ongoing contributions of women to our community and beyond.
Leadership isn’t just a title—it's a state of being. Women throughout the City embody this every day, whether they're leading departments, teams, or projects. As we continue to build a future where leadership is accessible and encouraged for everyone, it’s vital to recognize the women shaping our City. Thank you to all the women who lead with vision, courage, and determination—your impact is felt every day.
City of Kirkland Construction Projects
Find details about construction projects here.
Parks Stewardship Events
Ready to roll up your sleeves and help keep Kirkland beautiful? Join an upcoming Parks Stewardship events. It's the perfect opportunity to get outside, connect with nature, and give back to your community. No experience needed—just a love for the environment and a sense of teamwork! Whether you're pulling invasive plants, planting native species, or helping maintain trails, every little bit counts. Come make a positive impact in our parks.
Friday, March 28 | Juanita Bay Park (East)
Saturday, March 29 | Juanita Bay Park
Saturday, March 29 | North Rose Hill Woodlands Park
Sunday, March 30 | Rose Hill Meadows Park
Sunday, March 30 | OO Denny Park
Sunday, March 30 | Kingsgate Park
Tuesday, April 1 | Heritage Park Beautification
Saturday, April 12 | Josten Park
Wheels and Reels - Gran Turismo (PG-13)
Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Beach Dr
Enjoy a night out under the stars at Juanita Beach Park with our Winter and Spring Drive-in Movie Series.
The parking lot opens at 6:00 PM and the movie starts at 7:00 PM. $20 per vehicle, pre-registration is required.
To register, visit KirklandParks.net or call 425-587-3336. All ages welcome. Event is held rain or shine - no refunds. No RV's, limos, busses, tailgating or alcohol.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
We’re in the zone—literally! From housing to parks to sustainability—take a look at how Kirkland's Planning & Building Department maps out Kirkland’s future, one plan at a time.