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Happy 4th of July Kent,
If you don't already have plans for tomorrow, come join us for the FREE Fourth of July SPLASH event at Lake Meridian Park.
It's a great way to celebrate Independence Day with your friends, family, and community. Pack up the crew and drop in for live music, food, and fun.
SPLASH starts at 5 p.m. Fireworks display is at 10 p.m. Event ends when fireworks conclude.
The park gates open at 3 p.m. and free shuttle service also starts at 3 p.m. Shuttle service will run until after the fireworks display. For tomorrow, Lake Meridian Park is ADA parking ONLY. No drop-offs are allowed. All gates will lock at midnight (12 a.m.)
Parking locations for shuttle bus service is at Kent Fire Station #75, 15635 SE 272nd St. and Kentwood High School, 25800 164th SE (gates closed at midnight 12 a.m.)
Have a safe and fun 4th, and as always, I hope you enjoy this week's update.
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
This week, the City of Kent formally reestablished its Sister City relationship with the City of El Grullo, located in the State of Jalisco, Mexico!
On Tuesday, I met with Mexican Municipal President Re-Elect of El Grullo, Milton Cárdenas., and his delegation at Kent City Hall.
Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the United States and Mexico and acknowledging the significant Mexican American community that lives and works in Kent, both cities reaffirm their commitment to strengthening this partnership by officially renewing their Sister City relationship.
The renewed Sister City relationship aims to:
- Foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange between citizens of both cities
- Promote educational collaboration and the sharing of technical knowledge
- Support the growth of trade and tourism
- Build a shared agenda for both short-term and long-term cooperation through cultural, academic, economic, and social initiatives involving municipal leaders, educational institutions, civil society, the business community, and residents
As Sister Cities, Kent and El Grullo intend to develop and implement joint projects and initiatives that are mutually beneficial.
To maintain a vibrant and meaningful partnership, both parties commit to regular communication and collaboration in pursuit of common goals.
The Sister Cities programs foster a sense of belonging by creating connections between communities across different countries.
These programs, facilitated by organizations like Sister Cities International, aim to promote peace and understanding through cultural, educational, and economic exchanges.
By establishing formal partnerships, cities can collaborate on various initiatives, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Recognizing the long friendship between the United States and Mexico and the important Mexican American community that lives and works in Kent, both cities reaffirm their commitment to strengthen this alliance by officially renewing their brotherhood relationship.
The renewed Sister Cities relationship aims to:
- To promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange among citizens of both cities
- Promote educational collaboration and exchange of technical knowledge
- Support the growth of trade and tourism
- Develop a common agenda of short- and long-term cooperation through cultural, academic, economic and social initiatives involving municipal leaders, educational institutions, civil society, the business community and citizenship.
As Sister Cities, Kent and El Grullo propose to develop and implement joint projects and initiatives for mutual benefit.
To maintain a dynamic and meaningful collaboration, both parties are committed to constant communication and collaboration to achieve common goals.
Sister Cities programs foster a sense of belonging by creating connections between communities from different countries.
These programs, facilitated by organizations like Sister Cities International, seek to promote peace and understanding through cultural, educational, and economic exchanges.
By establishing formal partnerships, cities can collaborate on various initiatives, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of global citizenship.
The AWC Annual Conference is an opportunity to catch up with elected from across the state, learn and share.
This year, I had the opportunity, along with the city manager of Ellensburg, to present on community academies. Kent 101 is an opportunity for our residents to learn all about our city and how we deliver the services they rely on.
I attended several sessions including AI in government, cyber security and a round table discussion with mayors from across Washington.
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With the 4th of July approaching, just a reminder to everyone that all forms of personal fireworks are illegal in Kent. Kent City Code 13.05 prohibits fireworks and was adopted following a voter majority vote on Advisory Proposition 1 in 2015.
You can report fireworks violations by calling the Valley Communications Non-Emergency line at 253-852-2121. Please do not use 911 to report unless there is an immediate safety concern.
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City offices will be closed Friday in observance of Independence Day. This includes Kent City Hall, the Centennial Center, the Kent Commons, Senior Activity Center and Municipal Court.
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Last week, I joined Councilmember Toni Troutner and WSDOT to mark the opening of a key section of the SR 509 Expressway. This is a big step forward in improving access and easing congestion for Kent residents and businesses.
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At Tuesday night's Kent City Council meeting, I proclaimed the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month.
Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services programs are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in Kent, ensuring the health of all residents, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and region.
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Here's the recap on last night's Kent City Council meetings! As a reminder, you can view meeting agendas, minutes and live stream recordings at bit.ly/3Oi8Aca.
 
Kent Cornucopia Days are next week! It's a weekend of stage performances and street fair fun for the whole family!
📅 Friday, July 11 - Sunday, July 13
🥁 Grand Parade - Sunday
⌚ 1 p.m.
📍 4th Ave from Willis to James
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Tuesday evenings this month, drop by the Kent Commons for Open Pickleball! Open to all ages. Courts are labeled for Family, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced (8 courts total).
⌚6 - 9 p.m.
💵 $3/person
Participants are encouraged to bring their own paddles. Balls are supplied.
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Celebrate the power of parks this month by getting outside and exploring our incredible parks system, joining us at Parks & Recreation Month pop-ups or our other amazing community events, and be sure to thank a parks and recreation professional for the amazing work they do in our community each and every day!
Established in 1985, National Parks & Recreation Month is celebrated annually across the country. Parks staff will be hosting four more fun, FREE pop-up events where you can come and celebrate with us. No registration is required. Pack up the family and swing by to play, have fun, and enjoy some freebies. Stay tuned to the Kent Parks Facebook page for more details on each event!
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