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May 8, 2025
Ever wonder what it takes to throw Kirkland’s biggest party of the year? Spoiler: It’s not just flags and floats. This week, we’re uncovering the passion, people, and planning behind Celebrate Kirkland. Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on May 6, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council extended the development agreement for the Kirkland Urban project.
- Council selected a developer for an ice-skating, restaurant, and community center at the former Houghton Park and Ride.
- Council reviewed a draft scope of work for a dedicated sexual assault legal advocate in Kirkland.
- Council reviewed the 2025 Neighborhood Safety Program recommended projects.
- The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, proclaimed Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Affordable Housing Week, Bike Everywhere Month, and Older Americans Month 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:
- An update on the City's legal challenges to King County's Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station.
- An update on the Juanita Bay Wildflower Pilot Project.
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 May 20, 2025.
State of the City and community Appreciation Night
This year's State of the City & Community Appreciation Night is going to be one to remember! Lock in your seat for May 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the Kirkland Performance Center here.
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.
Kirkland’s favorite red, white, and blue tradition is back! The Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July Parade is set to bring joy, color, and community spirit to downtown on Friday, July 4, 2025. Join neighbors, friends, and visitors for a beloved, family-friendly parade filled with performances, decorated floats, local organizations, and hometown pride.
“This event is about more than just a parade; it’s about what makes Kirkland feel like home,” said Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis. “It’s neighbors waving from floats, volunteers guiding kids in costume, and the simple joy of being together. That’s the magic of Celebrate Kirkland.”
Festivities begin with kids’ decorating stations at Lakeshore Plaza, where young participants can get parade-ready. The kids’ parade starts at 11:30 a.m., followed by the main parade at 12:00 p.m. The main parade will commence with our National Anthem and a tribute to our honored veterans. Spectators can look forward to a vibrant mix of community groups, performers, businesses, and food trucks.
Get involved and help make the magic happen!
Please note that this year’s event is a parade-only celebration. Fireworks will not be part of the program. Community members looking for fireworks displays are encouraged to explore other shows around King County.
Expect road closures and parking restrictions on July 4 in downtown Kirkland. Stay updated at: www.kirklandwa.gov/celebratekirkland
We want to thank our sponsors Kenworth Truck Company, Lee Johnson Auto Family, Humana, and Kitagaito for making this celebration possible.
Let’s come together to celebrate what makes Kirkland special—people, pride, and power of community. See you there!
With warmer weather comes more time out at our waterfront parks and beaches. Did you know King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks monitors bacteria levels on a weekly basis during warmer months? Sampling begins Tuesday, May 13 at Juanita Beach, Waverly Beach, and Houghton Beach. Sampling will continue every Tuesday through September 15.
When the beach is closed for swimming due to high bacteria levels, signs will be posted at the beach that read “Stay out of the Water.” The surrounding park will remain open to the public.
For more information about King County’s Swimming Beach monitoring, visit https://kingcounty.gov/SwimBeach
Do you like visiting Juanita Beach? Watch our video for 7 Things to Know About Juanita Beach.
May is Bike Everywhere Month and now is the time to celebrate all things bicycling. Branch out on two wheels by playing Kirkland Bike Bingo! Challenge yourself to check off a line of 5 boxes by cruising on the Cross Kirkland Corridor, taking a ride with a friend, or riding a pump track like the one at Houghton Park and Play.
Prizes for completed bingos include chocolate coins, tote bags, and bandanas – each with special Kirkland transportation theming! Email your card showing a completed bingo to bdaly@kirklandwa.gov and then drop by Kirkland City Hall to collect any or all of the three prize items.
On Thursday, April 24, the Kirkland Police Department held a special ceremony to celebrate milestones in service, promotions, and to welcome our newest team members. Chief Cherie Harris had the honor of swearing in new staff, officially welcoming them to the department.
The ceremony also recognized significant career milestones, with service awards presented for 5, 10, 15, 20, and an incredible 30 years of service to the Kirkland community. We also celebrated several well-deserved promotions, including a Lieutenant, two Sergeants, three Patrol Corporals, a Corrections Corporal, and a Records Unit Lead. Thank you to the friends, families, and colleagues who joined us for the ceremony.
May is National Pet Month, a time to celebrate the joy, companionship, and unconditional love our pets bring to our lives. Whether you’re a devoted dog person, a proud cat parent, or both, this month is the perfect excuse to treat your pet to an extra walk, a new toy, or a belly rub (or three).
Here in Kirkland, we’re proud to be a pet-friendly community. We know how important your animals are to you—they’re family. As we honor our four-legged friends, it’s also a great time to make sure their needs are covered, including something simple but essential: pet licensing.
Did you know? All dogs and cats 12 weeks and older are required to be licensed with the City of Kirkland. Licensing not only helps return lost pets to their homes faster—it also supports vital animal services in our community.
You can easily license your pet or renew an existing license online, by mail, or in person at City Hall. Learn more: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Animal-Services/License-Your-Pet.
As the weather warms up and we head into summer, many of us will be spending more time near lakes, pools, and splash pads. May is National Water Safety Month—a great time to talk about how we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe around water.
Whether you’re boating on Lake Washington, wading at the beach, or enjoying backyard fun, a few basic precautions can make a big difference:
- Always wear a life jacket when you're on open water. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble unexpectedly. Washington law requires children aged 1 - 12 years old to wear a life jacket when on a boat.
- Keep an eye on kids. Designate a responsible adult as the “Water Watcher” any time children are near water, and avoid distractions like phones or conversations.
- Learn CPR. In an emergency, knowing how to respond quickly can save a life. Consider taking a free CPR class offered through a partnership with the Medic One Foundation. Learn more and sign up for a class: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Fire-Department/Public-Education/CPR-Class
As the weather warms up, more motorcycles are hitting the roads—and we’re reminding both riders and drivers to share the road and look out for one another.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a time to highlight the responsibilities we all have in keeping roadways safe. For riders, that starts with gearing up properly and riding responsibly. Before every ride, double-check your bike and your gear. Are you wearing a DOT-approved helmet? Is your equipment in good working order? Most importantly, never ride impaired.
Drivers—look twice, especially at intersections and when changing lanes. Motorcycles can be harder to see, and a moment of distraction can have serious consequences.
Whether you're on two wheels or four, safety starts with you.
Sun's out, fun's out! As we hit the trails and get outside more, King County Sheriff's Office has some helpful tips for staying safe:
The trails are calling, and hiking season is here!
But before you lace up those boots, a famous local (actually more of a legend) who is very familiar with remote areas of the PNW, wanted to share some safety tips to make your hike more safe and enjoyable:
1. Tell someone your plans - If you go missing, your last selfie isn’t going to be much help.
2. Bring plenty of water. Dehydration is no joke, and let’s face it- drinking from questionable streams isn’t either.
3. Dress for success. Layers are your friends. And for goodness' sake, save the flip flops for the beach!
4. Stay on marked trails. You might think you’re on a treasure hunt, but hidden hornet nests aren’t the gold you’re after.
5. Keep your belongings out of sight in your vehicle. We don’t love the idea of a thief breaking in and using your credit cards to fund their shopping spree.
By following these tips, you’ll have a hike that's more fun and less “Oh no, where am I?” – unless you’re into spontaneous wilderness survival.
Happy Trails!
May 4–10 is all about celebrating the behind-the-scenes magic of Municipal Clerks — the vital link between the community and local government.
We’re sending a big thank you to our very own Kirkland City Clerk’s Office! From preparing City Council agendas and keeping meetings running smoothly to supporting timely public records responses and much more — your work is essential, and we appreciate you!
👏 Thank you, City Clerk’s Office, for all you do!
The City of Kirkland was invited by the Lake Washington School District to attend a custodial training day to educate staff about stormwater pollution prevention. 58 schools were in attendance and in coordination with City of Sammamish and City of Redmond, each school was given a spill kit to allow quick response to contain spills before they wash into a storm drain and then flow downstream to the nearest wetland, stream, or lake.
Thank you, Lake Washington School District, for being an advocate for pollution prevention!
Interested in getting a spill kit for your business? Check out our spill prevention and response resources! https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Storm-Surface-Water/Spill-Prevention-and-Response
Coming soon, two locations on NE 124th Street near the North Kirkland community Center will have safer HAWK crossings activated.
Have you seen a HAWK Signal before? Do you know when to stop and when to proceed?
- The crosswalk and signal are activated with the push button at each crosswalk.
- Flashing yellow: Prepare to Stop
- Solid Yellow: Begin stopping, Do NOT proceed
- Two solid Reds: STOP
- Alternating red flashing: Stop. Proceed IF crosswalk is clear
- Dark: Proceed if NO pedestrians are in the crosswalk
The HAWK (High intensity Activated crossWalK) signal is a traffic control device designed to help pedestrians safely cross higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections. They have been shown to reduce pedestrian crashes by 55%.
Two more HAWK's will be installed this summer on 100th Avenue Northeast and 124th Avenue Northeast.
More info: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements
Slater Avenue Northeast/132xnd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor (New project starting)
Drivers will encounter the start of construction activities at this location beginning Monday, May 12. This project creates a signalized crossing from the end of the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail to King County’s Eastrail, as well as other 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 will 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) will be 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. Paving is commencing, which will required some business driveways to be closed for a few hours as the asphalt sets. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. This project is on schedule to be finished in June. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 124th Street
Kirkland's contractor is upgrading two pedestrian crossings on Northeast 124th Street near North Kirkland Community Center. Drivers will encounter traffic control that will reduce travel lanes near 105th Place Northeast and 101st Court Northeast from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pedestrian crossings are being upgraded to High intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals that pedestrians will engage to cross the street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements 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.
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Paving is complete, with typical paving tasks remaining (utility raising, permanent striping after a few weeks of asphalt curing, etc.) Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor for project updates on Thursdays.
Eighth Avenue West
Residents along Eighth Avenue West will note that construction has resumed on this Water and Sewer main project. Kirkland’s contractor will begin the street rehabilitation beginning at Fifth Street West, and plan to move block by block to limit impacts to residents. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Eighth-Avenue-West-water-and-sewer-main-upgrades for project updates on Thursdays.
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Solarize Eastside Workshop
Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers, 123 5th Ave
This spring, it’s easier than ever to add solar panels to your home. Solarize Eastside is a limited-time program that offers discounted prices, trusted local installers, and high-quality equipment made right here in Washington. Sign up today for a free site assessment or join us at an upcoming workshop in Kirkland to learn more!
Paper and Paint Recycling Event
Do you have left-over paint or old documents you'd like to dispose of? The City of Kirkland is ready to take them off your hands. On Saturday, May 17, the City will offer document shredding and paint recycling at a special recycling collection event.
Please Note: The City can only accept paint and paper at this event.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
11605 132nd Ave NE
South Parking Lot
Use 132nd Ave NE entrance
Read more about the event.
Senior Art Show
Opening Reception: Friday, May 9 from 5 - 7 p.m.
Show dates: May 9 - 23
Location: Merrill Gardens, 14 Main Street South
Creativity is ageless! Join us for the opening of the 15th annual Senior Art Show sponsored by the Kirkland Senior Council on Friday, May 9, 2025.
The show will run from May 9 - 23, 2025.
For more information, visit the event page.
Volunteer with Green Kirkland in May
We invite you to stop and smell the roses this spring while volunteering with the Green Kirkland Partnership!
Join a stewardship event in May and see what’s blooming in your forests and natural areas at a park near you!
Activities in spring include weeding, mulching, and tending to new plantings.
All are welcome following the event guidelines and tools/training are provided.
Visit the Green Kirkland calendar to register to volunteer and learn more!
May Stewardship events
Windsor Vista Park - Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Juanita Bay Park (East) - Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Juanita Open Space #1 Park - Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
South Rose Hill Park - Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Neal-Landguth Wetland Park - Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
South Norway Hill Park - Sunday, May 25, 2025 | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Juanita Bay Park (main lot) - Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Juanita Bay Park (East) - Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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