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The City is currently in the process of working with the community to develop its first ever Sustainability Master Plan. Last Saturday, June 22, 64 community members attended a Sustainability Forum to brainstorm actions the City might undertake to support environmental, economic and social sustainability in Kirkland.
Many topics were discussed in a workshop format including: energy supply and emissions; buildings and infrastructure; sustainable materials management; land use and transportation; natural environment and ecosystems; sustainable business; healthy community; and sustainable governance.
A few central themes were predominate during the community conversation. Participants shared a strong desire for residents to have access to 100 percent renewable energy. Currently the City is able to purchase 100 percent renewable energy through Puget Sound Energy's Green Direct Program, but this program is not available to commercial or residential properties. The topic of trees was also a dominant theme in the conversation. Attendees expressed a desire for more trees, increased canopy cover, and highlighted the ecological benefits of trees in an urban environment. The topic of transportation also came up frequently, specifically participants shared ideas that could make it easier for residents to access transit. One idea expressed was utilizing electric trolleys to connect neighborhoods to bus lines.
The City will be hosting focus groups on key topics throughout the summer. To find out how you can participate visit the Sustainability Master Plan page on the City website. An online survey is also available for those that want to join the conversation virtually. This civic conversation will continue throughout the summer.
Join us in welcoming Kirkland's first ever Park Ranger, Betty Fletcher. Betty came to Kirkland with a wealth of experience in animal control and a background in law enforcement. As a Park Ranger Betty is focused on the safety of our City parks and marina. She also supports Animal Control Officer Jennifer Matison when she needs backup on animal control calls.
Some of the duties of a Kirkland Park Ranger include:
-patrolling all City parks and the marina
-responding to animal violations
-enforcing leash laws
-ticketing pet owners that fail to clean up their pet's waste
-enforcing the City's pet licensing requirements
However, for Park Ranger Betty Fletcher the job is more than just enforcement, it's also about education and building relationships with the community.
"Being a Park Ranger is great because I get the opportunity to meet people, meet animals, and walk in Kirkland's beautiful parks," said Park Ranger Fletcher. "I want people to feel comfortable approaching me to ask questions or share their concerns. I'm here to serve the community."
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There is still time to view the Kirkland Senior Council’s “Creativity is Ageless” Art Show, which is ongoing at Merrill Gardens Kirkland through Friday, June 28.
The show offers a selection of over 60 pieces of art in a variety of different mediums, including watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, photography, quilting, driftwood sculpture and more. The artists hail from all over the eastside, including Kirkland, Redmond and beyond.
Featured artist Jane Scott tells a story with her painting, “Space and Time Placeholder,” which captures her son and daughter-in-law many years ago relaxing in the yard of her Minnesota home. It was a foggy, autumn day, she said, and the leaves were changing on the birch tree. The two were boyfriend and girlfriend at the time, and when they came in for dinner they informed her that they were going to get married. Being as they were still in high school, she advised them to wait until after college.
Her second piece is a painting of a stunning pink tulip from the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
The art displayed at the show is lovely to look at, and often, the story behind the art adds to its beauty. Kirkland photographer Patsy Rosenbach submitted a photo of a lushly blooming hoya plant from her carefully cultivated collection of house plants. The flower and its portrait are special to Patsy, as she has been waiting 20 years for the plant to bloom.
“It's significant to me,” Patsy said. “I'm thrilled I was able to capture it.”
Merrill Gardens is located at 14 Street S. in downtown Kirkland.
 Artist Jane Scott
The City of Kirkland has taken an innovative approach to healthcare. In a time of increased costs and decreased coverage, the City has developed a strategy to control the cost of care without diminishing care for employees. The City's approach was highlighted in this month's issue of "Municipal" (see page 42). The interview, featuring Assistant City Manager Jim Lopez, is a great way to learn about the City's approach to health care.
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Summer Sundays on Park Lane
Sunday, June 30
Park Lane
Be sure to check out the Art Cart on Park Lane this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.! The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission designed the Art Cart for children ages 5-16 and their families. The cart provides hands-on projects that include drawing, painting, and writing, and encourage observation of the natural environment.
Also, don't miss Kirkland's own original ukulele band Marilyn and the G Strings on Park Lane this Sunday, June 30 from 2-4 p.m. Classic rock favorites and other surprises.
All are invited to shop, stroll and dine on Park Lane in a car-free environment. Come down and enjoy the charming ambiance of a Summer Sunday!
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Game on! Family Fun Day Event
Friday, July 12, 3 - 7 p.m.
Juanita Beach Park
Come get your game on at the Kirkland Game On! Challenge your family and friends in large yard games like Jenga, Cornhole, Connect 4, and more! Live music, food vendors and farmers market! This event is FREE!
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Free Shredding and Styrofoam Recycling
Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
915 8th St, Kirkland
Recycle styrofoam and shred confidential papers for free! Event open to Kirkland residents only. *SHREDDING DETAILS* ACCEPTED: Confidential paper materials. Staples OK. No binder clips. LIMIT: 4 file-size (12”x12”x16”) boxes or equivalent quantity (e.g. paper grocery bags OK). Shredding will be completed by Confidential Data Disposal. Material shredded through the event will be recycled. Shredded paper is NOT accepted in your recycling at home, so using a service to shred is a better environmental choice than shredding at home.
*STYROFEST DETAILS* ACCEPTED: Clean Styrofoam blocks, EPE blocks and sheets, and plastic film. LIMIT: one carload per household. See flyer with photos of accepted items (pdf).
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Earthquake "Proof" Your Home
Tuesday, July 23, 6 - 7 p.m.
Kirkland City Hall
Is your home ready for the Big One? If a major earthquake shook your home today, would you still have a safe place to live? This class will cover the basics of earthquake-"proofing" your home, from securing furniture to easy ways to check the structural integrity of your building. Come learn how you can take practical, affordable steps to help protect your household in the event of an earthquake. Sign up online: http://bit.ly/EQProof19
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Juanita Friday Market
Every Friday June 7 to Sept. 27, 3 to 7 p.m.
Juanita Beach Park, 9703 N.E. Juanita Drive
A twelve-year Kirkland tradition, the Juanita Friday Market features fresh produce from local farmers, artisanal breads and desserts, locally-made honey, hot food, cut flowers, sustainable skin care products, hand-crafted jewelry, candles, natural soap, local art and much more. The weekly series is set against the stunning backdrop of Juanita Beach Park, which offers sandy shoreline, restrooms, swimming and a children’s play area.
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Schedule of Events
9:30 a.m. Parade route closes to vehicles and detours are in place.
10:00 a.m. Children's decorating event at the Marina Park Pavilion. Tattoos, flags, and tons of fun for everyone!
11:30 a.m. Children's walking parade starts at Lakeshore Plaza and Kirkland Avenue.
12:00 p.m. Old Fashioned Downtown parade starts at Lakeshore Plaza and Kirkland Avenue.
After the Parade...Join your friends and neighbors at Marina Park:
- 1:00 - 10:00 p.m.: Community Picnic & Food Vendors
- 3:00 p.m.: Music in the Pavilion
10:15 p.m. Fantastic fireworks display off of Marina Park with viewing from most downtown waterfront parks.
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Rockets to Mars: Past, Present and Future
Tuesday, August 6, 7 p.m.
Kingsgate Library
For adults.
Mars has long been of interest to people on Earth, having been identified by the Egyptians as a wanderer on a planet, more than 3,500 years ago.
Mariner 9 in 1971 was the first mission to Mars. Viking 1 and Viking 2 were the first to land on Mars in 1976. Hear all about Mars exploration and the rockets that got the spacecraft and landers there, and future plans for human ventures.
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