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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.
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.
This is just a reminder 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 Kent Police 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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I’m honored to share that I have been elected to serve on the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Board of Directors, representing District 13.
District 13 includes Auburn, Black Diamond, Burien, Covington, Des Moines, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Kent, Maple Valley, Normandy Park, Pacific, Renton, SeaTac, and Tukwila.
This is an important opportunity because so many of the decisions made in Olympia have a direct impact on our cities and the people we serve every day. Local governments are where state policies become reality, whether it's public safety, housing, transportation, infrastructure, or the many services our residents rely on. That's why it's so important that cities have a strong voice and that local control remains part of the conversation.
As a mayor, I believe the best solutions come from working together. I'll continue advocating for policies that give cities the flexibility to meet the unique needs of our communities while looking for common ground with leaders from across Washington. We won't always agree, but we all share the same goal of building stronger, safer, and more vibrant communities.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent Kent in these statewide conversations and thankful to my fellow city leaders for their confidence. I look forward to bringing Kent's perspective to the table while working collaboratively on the issues that matter most to our residents.
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KOMO News recently highlighted our long-awaited Quiet Zone project and spoke about the safety improvements that made the federal approval possible.
Beginning the week of August 24, routine train horns will no longer be required at eight public railroad crossings through downtown Kent. Trains will still operate through the area, and engineers may still sound horns in emergencies or when additional warning is needed.
This project has been years in the making and reflects a major quality-of-life improvement for downtown residents, businesses and visitors, while keeping important safety measures in place.
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I had the opportunity to sit down with KOMO 4’s Kelly Koopmans and Molly Shen this week to talk about some of the exciting work happening in Kent. We covered workforce development, Kent’s strong connection to the space industry, and the long-awaited downtown Quiet Zone.
It was a great conversation and a chance to share more about the projects, partnerships and industries that continue to shape our city.
I’m always grateful for opportunities to highlight Kent and the work being done to support our residents, businesses and community.
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Earlier this week we stopped at the Hillcrest neighborhood for another Drinks in the Driveway event.
The neighborhood came ready with great questions and concerns.
We appreciate Ali for hosting this fun evening!
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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. Keep an eye on the Kent Parks Facebook page for details on each event!
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Our Mini Recycling Events are making it easier than ever for you to dispose of your unwanted recyclable items. ♻️
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Provide your input on the Draft Downtown Kent Plan!
The ReDiscover Downtown Kent Plan establishes and updated vision and goals for Downtown Kent based on community input. It addresses changing economic conditions, evolving workplace trends, and regional growth while strengthening Downtown Kent’s role as the heart of the city. The plan provides a roadmap for future land use, infrastructure, partnerships, and strategic investments to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient downtown.
By providing comments on the ReDiscover Downtown Kent Plan, you have the opportunity to share your feedback on the strategies, actions, and concepts for Downtown before they are finalized and adopted.
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Kent Cornucopia Days are next week! Our downtown streets will be filled with smiles, great food, fun vendors and fabulous performances.
Cornucopia Days is South King County's largest and longest-running family festival, brought to you by the Kent Lions, all for free. Bring the family out for some street fair fun, a grand parade and more. Check out kcdays.com
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Summer in Kent is the best! Whether you’re grabbing fresh produce at the Farmers Market, attending a concert in the park, or soaking up the sun with your family and neighbors, there are so many ways to get out and enjoy our city.
Check out everything happening this season at KentWA.gov/Summer.
Call before you dig!
Anytime you need to excavate for a home project, state law requires you to notify utility companies to avoid dangerous or costly damages.
Notify utilities of your intent to dig by calling 811 or by making an online request a few days before you plan to break ground. call811.com
DigSafeWA.com is your online resources for digging safely in Washington.
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As temperatures rise, remember that hot cars can be deadly for pets. Never leave your furry friends unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside can skyrocket within moments, putting their lives at risk. Keep them safe and leave them at home!
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The Wastemobile is back!
This mobile hazardous waste collection service will be cruising throughout King County most weekends until October, making it easy and safe for you to drop off household hazardous waste for free.
You can see the full schedule on their website.
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Living Well Kent has brought their Farmers Market downtown! This is a community driven market, increasing access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant produce to our community.
📅 Every Saturday until October 17
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 2nd Ave between Smith and Gowe
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Our FREE life vest loaner program is back!
Swim safe this summer with a free life vest rental from Kent Parks. Interested individuals can check out a life vest for a single day, or the entire summer season!
Life vests are available to be checked out from the Kent Commons Community Center, and all sizes will be available.
Please note that life vests must be checked out in-person - quantities are limited. Life vests are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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This week is your last chance to register for the 2026 Kent Cornucopia Days 5k next weekend!
The race will take place Saturday, July 11 at Three Friends Fishing Hole.
Sign up to join us out on the course and have some fun with family and friends.
Learn more about the race and register online today at MyKentParks.com/CornucopiaDays5k.
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The Kent Parks Summer Playground & Lunch program runs weekdays from now to August 7 at Chestnut Ridge Park, Morrill Meadows Park, and West Fenwick Park.
Sports, Arts & Crafts, Water Games, Storytime & MORE!
11:30am - 3:30pm
This drop-in program is FREE and provides you and your child (no drop-offs allowed) with a fun + active way to enjoy summer vacation.
Visit us online at MyKentParks.com for details!
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Hope you will join us for the next Green Kent work party on Saturday, July 18.
Come and work alongside the Kent Parks crew at Lake Fenwick Park to remove invasive species; the work done will help protect previously planted trees and shrubs and keep the park healthy! Green Kent Work Parties are held monthly from March to November, and are a great way to get more involved, connect with neighbors, and make a difference in our community. And for students, they are a great way to earn valuable, hands-on volunteer hours – restoring and conserving our parks and natural spaces!
Sign up as a volunteer today online at MyKentParks.com/GreenKent.
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The Kent Historical Museum is hosting a FREE speaker series titled Resilient Roots, featuring six Coast Salish presenters.
This new series will run on the first Wednesday of every month from now to September from 6-7 p.m.
Centered around the artistic, cultural, and historical contributions of Coast Salish communities and highlights indigenous resilience, creativity, and the importance of passing traditional knowledge to younger generations. I highly encourage you to go!
No registration is required and all ages* are welcome. Refreshments are provided!
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Who is ready for another summer of great music? The FREE Kent Summer Concert series, presented by the Kent Parks Department and Kent Station, starts next week, July 8!
Wednesday Afternoons: Picnic Performances at West Fenwick Park, 12-1 p.m.
Wednesday Evenings: Kent Station Summer Sounds at Kent Station, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday Evenings: Music in the Meadow at Morrill Meadows Park, 6:30-8 p.m.
For full details and line-up, visit KentWA.gov/SummerConcerts.
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Registration for our 2026 Summer programs is open. If you didn’t receive a guide, stop by the Kent Commons Community Center or Kent Senior Activity Center to pick one up, or browse a digital copy online now at MyKentParks.com/Register to check out this season’s amazing line-up.
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We need YOU! Our Parks team is looking for your input on the future of Town Square Plaza as we look to reimagine this downtown gem.
Take the Town Square Plaza survey today to provide your feedback to our Park Planning & Development crew.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of this downtown spot. Questions? Connect with our team online at EngageKentParks.com!
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Park Shelter Rentals are open for the 2026 season! As you and your family look for places to gather this summer, check out one of the available park shelters here in Kent that can be reserved!
Park Shelters are available to reserve from now to September 30.
Learn more about all of the available rentals AND how to check shelter availability online at MyKentParks.com/Rentals!
As a reminder, all reservations must be completed in person at the Kent Commons Community Center. Call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100 if you have any questions.
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From now until August 7, our Kent Parks mobile HERO Program (Health, Exercise, Recreation Outreach) will be popping up around town to offer FREE activities and games for kids and teens focused on nutrition and sports!
Check out the summer schedule online at KentHERO.com.
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The Kent Downtown Partnership is bringing back Cajun and Creole Fest on August 15. Spice up your taste buds and experience the soul of Louisiana in the Pacific Northwest. Dance, dine, and have a ragin’ Cajun good time where Southern culture and hospitality turn historic downtown Kent into our own “Little Louisiana”!
Live music and dancing will keep festival-goers entertained throughout the day, with performances by Cajun and Zydeco bands. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant and lively culture of Louisiana, Cajun- and Creole-themed food trucks, beer/wine garden, vendors/artists, and activities for the kids. Get your free tickets here!
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Get ready to cruise into summer at the 8th Annual Cruisin’ Kent Classic Car Show on Sunday, August 23.
From timeless classics to souped-up customs, motorcycles, all makes, models, and years are welcome.
This free, family-friendly event supports the Green River College VET Fund, which provides vital support to veterans. Hosted by Kent Station in partnership with the City of Kent. Check-in starts at 9:00 AM, and the first 100 registered vehicles will receive a collectible metal dash plaque and a free raffle ticket.
Whether you're showcasing your ride, exploring the rows of classics, or bringing the family out for some Sunday fun, Cruisin’ Kent is a can’t-miss summer tradition that brings the community together for a great cause.
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Get your furry friends licensed with Regional Animal Services of King County to help get them back to you if they're ever lost!
Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.
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Join Tracy, Kevin, Mark and Kyle as they update you on the important, fun, and interesting things happening in the City of Kent.
New episodes every 2 weeks!
Listen now on:
🔊 Apple Podcasts apple.co/3J2UMkd
🔊 Spotify spoti.fi/3GNCeli
🔊 Amazon Music amzn.to/3jjaOvU
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The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting non-emergency issues.
You can request a service, report a problem and find information about the City of Kent all from your mobile device in just a few taps!
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