Table of Contents:

• Winter Registration for Parks Recreation Programs
• 'Play It Forward’ Virtual Community Meeting on Dec. 15
• Traffic Revision on NE 132nd Street for New Fire Station 24
• Public Meeting: I-405 – NE 132nd Street Interchange Project
• Congresswoman DelBene in Kirkland for Small Business Saturday
• Kirkland Arts Center Holiday Art Market
• Help Increase Access to Kirkland Recreation Programs
• City Launches Kirkland Activity Map
• This Could be a Snowy Winter – Do You Know What to Do if it Snows?
• Traffic Alerts
• Upcoming Events

Winter Registration for Parks Recreation Programs

‘Play It Forward’ Virtual Community Meeting on December 15

The City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services will be hosting a virtual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on December 15, 2021, to update the community on the Play It Forward engagement effort of the last several months. For more information and to register for this meeting, please visit the registration page.

“Our community has turned out in droves to help us imagine the future of Kirkland’s parks, recreation, and open spaces,” said Mayor Penny Sweet. “We’ve heard from so much of our community on how our parks can grow, how our recreation programs can expand, and what improvements our facilities need to better serve our community. Our project team has been busy compiling all this incredible feedback, and we’re excited to share our preliminary findings.”

The meeting will focus on the “Play It Forward” effort to update the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces (PROS) Plan, for which the City has been engaging the community since June 2021. The updated PROS Plan will identify a series of recommendations that will guide decision making and investments over the next five to ten years, and it covers existing parks, recreational facilities, programs, and other services. This planning effort also includes a comprehensive evaluation of City facilities related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Overall, this master plan will help determine the current and future level of services for the community.

The meeting will consist of a presentation of the results of a needs assessment community survey, a detailed analysis of park conditions and park amenities, and an overview of demographics and trends used in the planning process. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in polls, ask questions in the chat room, and participate in a question-and-answer period. The meeting will be held via Zoom and is anticipated to last 90 minutes. The meeting will be facilitated by the City’s consultant, GreenPlay, LLC, a nationally known parks and recreation management consulting firm.

“We’ve heard from thousands of community members throughout this process so far,” said Mayor Sweet. “We sure hope you join us for this important update on what we’ve heard and whether we’re on the right track.”

For more information on the event and the Play It Forward planning effort, please visit: https://kirklandwa.gov/playitforward

Traffic Revision on NE 132nd Street Near Juanita Elementary for New Fire Station 24

Get ready: a new signal, and its interconnected emergency signal next to Juanita Elementary, will be starting up in early December. The new signal, at the intersection of NE 132nd St and driveway entrances to Juanita Elementary and new Fire Station 24, will aid pedestrians, drivers, and fire fighters. Kirkland Police will be onsite to assist with managing traffic during the signal turn-on. Thank you for exercising caution and patience as pedestrians and drivers navigate the new signal operations.

While it will be a few more weeks until the station is active, please remember not to block the road in front of the fire station doors. There are pavement markings to designate this “Do Not Block” zone.

About Fire Station 24:

The City purchased the parcel next to Goodwill and across the street from Juanita Elementary School in 2019 as part of a City-wide effort to reduce firefighters’ response times to the community. This effort includes using best practices in fire station design and by strategically siting fire stations throughout the city, including the 2011 annexation area. Like Finn Hill’s renovated Fire Station 25 (completed in 2018), Fire Station 24 will better serve the community, not only due to its location, but thanks to its design as a sustainably-built, energy efficient, and durable fire station. The design also strives to care for our first responders by thoughtful design features that allow for decontamination best practices and improving firefighters’ workplace safety. The 11,975 square-foot fire station will include three vehicle bays and is scheduled to be completed this fall. More information about the fire station can be found at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/FireStation24.

Additional fire station projects elsewhere in Kirkland are in the works and funded by the voter-approved Proposition 1 – Fire & Emergency Medical Services 2020 Ballot Measure. See www.kirklandwa.gov/FireBallot2020 for more information.

Public Meeting for the I-405 – NE 132nd Street Interchange Project on Dec. 15

You’re invited to join an online meeting to learn more about a new project by the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT will construct a new on-ramp to northbound I-405 and a new off-ramp from southbound I-405 at Northeast 132nd Street in Kirkland, creating a new half-diamond interchange. This project will improve access to the Totem Lake regional growth center and surrounding neighborhoods in Kirkland. It will also provide a new route to access I-405, creating an alternative to using local streets and helping reduce pressure on heavily congested nearby interchanges. Construction is expected to begin in March 2022.

At the online meeting, you can hear about the upcoming work, ask questions of the project team, and learn how to stay informed during construction. This meeting will be held online via Zoom.

• Wednesday, Dec. 15, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
• Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/
  register/WN_C60fAPE6T1CpB-Kw3tAUrA

Please let WSDOT know if you’re facing barriers to participation and need accommodations to participate fully in this online meeting. If requesting accommodations, please register by Dec. 6 so WSDOT may accommodate your request.

Project Webpage | 425-224-2433 | I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov

Congresswoman DelBene in Kirkland for Small Business Saturday

Kirkland Arts Center Holiday Art Market

Participate in Kirkland’s Recreation Scholarship Fundraising Campaign

The Recreation Program Fund makes available scholarships of various amounts to Kirkland residents who qualify based on income for the City’s recreation programs.

“The Recreation Scholarship Fund supports Kirkland residents of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to participate in the City’s diverse and high-quality recreation programs, despite any barriers of income,” said Councilmember Toby Nixon. “By contributing to the City’s Recreation Scholarship Fund, you will be making a meaningful difference in the lives of your fellow Kirkland neighbors. Your donation could help a child learn to swim or attend summer camp, aid a teen in participating in outdoor recreation, and allow a senior adult to enjoy an exciting day trip.”

To donate, visit www.kirklandparks.net and choose the “SCHOLARSHIP FUND” tile, which has a light green underline.

For questions about the Recreation Scholarship Program, please contact Maryke Burgess, Recreation Supervisor, at 425-587-3386 or mburgess@kirklandwa.gov.

City of Kirkland Launches Kirkland Activity Map

The City of Kirkland has launched an interactive map for community members to learn about building permits, land use actions, and code enforcement in their area and throughout the city. The new Kirkland Activity Map is now available at https://kirklandactivitymap.connect.socrata.com and allows users to set up customized email alerts, focus on a selected location, and share a filtered view of the map.

“The new Kirkland Activity Map makes it easier than ever for our community members to be aware of development activity in their neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Neal Black. “Our city and region continue to experience growth due to it being such an amazing place to live, work, and play. We value transparency and want it to be easy for our community to get information about changes as they’re happening. This new tool will help do just that.”

The current data is sourced directly from the City’s permitting system, Energov, and is updated each day. The Kirkland Activity Map includes a guide for community members on creating email alerts for activity in their neighborhood. Future phases of the Kirkland Activity Map could potentially include additional activities, such as capital improvement projects, community requests received through Our Kirkland, crime information, and more.

This tool was developed by the City’s geographic information system (GIS) team, which oversees technology that is used extensively by almost every City department for managing, sharing, and analyzing map-related information. The GIS team also provides valuable information for the Kirkland community through a variety of interactive mapping tools. Earlier this year, the City received Esri’s 2021 Special Achievement Award for its innovative and efficient application of GIS technology. The City was one of the first governmental organizations in the region to host its GIS software and data entirely on cloud infrastructure.

To learn more and to discover additional GIS resources visit Kirkland’s CityHub ArcGIS Online site or the GIS Maps webpage.

This Could be a Snowy Winter – Do You Know What to Do if it Snows?

Snow isn’t expected in the immediate forecast. However, we want you to be prepared when it comes. Because City resources can’t reach all locations or address every situation, community assistance and personal responsibility are needed to help keep our community safe during the winter months. Here’s how you can help:

• If possible, stay home throughout the storm, until driving, walking, and biking routes are clear and safe for travel.
• Park vehicles in your driveway or garage to give crews access to the street. Owners are responsible for removing/digging out their vehicles if they are parked on snow routes. If a vehicle is blocking snow and ice response activities, police may use towing services to clear the roads of these vehicles.
• Remain 50 feet away from all snow response equipment. Applications of anti/deicing materials can disperse at wide rates. If anti/deicing material does get onto a private vehicle, rinse it from the vehicle as soon as possible to reduce corrosion and keep windows clear.
• Uncover storm drains in front of your house to avoid flooding and uncover gas meters to avoid gas leaks.

More winter weather preparedness tips are available on the City’s website.

Traffic Alerts

Central Way – Moss Bay

A Kirkland contractor begins construction Nov. 30 on a pair of intersection projects identified through the Neighborhood Safety Program that will improve walking safety on Central Way and Lakeshore Plaza Drive.

NPM Construction will build a pair of ‘bulbouts’ that reduce the crossing distance from one side of Lakeshore Plaza Drive to the other. In the spring, NPM Construction will establish overhead rapid flashing beacons near Central Way’s intersection with Main Street.

Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/nsp

124th Avenue Northeast – North Rose Hill

Ziply is continuing to relocate fiber optic lines this week along 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th and 124th streets.

Crews are working from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. this week and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After Ziply relocates its fiber optic lines, other utility operators, such as Comcast, will begin relocating their utilities through February.

The City of Kirkland is coordinating the utility relocations as part of its ambitious effort to improve the 124th Avenue Northeast corridor.

Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue

Cross Kirkland Corridor – Totem Lake

A detour around the Cross Kirkland Corridor between 120th Place Northeast and 128th Lane Northeast remains in effect while Kirkland’s Totem Lake Connector contractor uses the corridor to build the pedestrian and bicycle bridge.

The Totem Lake Connector is expected to be complete in winter 2022. 

Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakeconnector or www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakepark.

Northeast 132nd Street – Juanita

Kirkland’s Fire Station 24 contractor is planning next week to remove the old traffic signals and activate the new traffic signals on Northeast 132nd Street, between 97th and 100th avenues northeast. Kirtley-Cole’s crews will work from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the contractor is continuing construction on the new fire station and many of its amenities, such as restoring the sidewalk, building a new multi-use path and installing new traffic signals.

The Fire Station 24 is expected to be complete by the end of December. 

Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/firestation24

Northeast 120th Street – North Rose Hill

Drivers traveling Northeast 120th Street between Slater Avenue and the Lake Washington Institute of Technology may encounter minor traffic delays while the contractor works to complete the surface water project. Work is expected to be complete by the end of December.

Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/ne120thsurfacewater

Cross Kirkland Corridor – Everest/Moss Bay

Cross Kirkland Corridor travelers will continue to encounter a short detour around the trail between Seventh Avenue South and Sixth Street South as construction of the Feriton Spur Park expansion continues. 

The short detour is directing travelers to a protected pathway along Fifth Place South. The park’s developer, SRM Development, expects the detour to continue until Spring. During that time, SRM Development will restrict parallel, on-street parking along the north portion of Fifth Place South.   

SRM Development expects to open Feriton Spur Park to open to the public in November. The new park will extend the developed section of the Cross Kirkland Corridor to Sixth Street South with 14 improvements, including a pickleball court, urban farm and the corridor’s first bathroom. 

Upcoming Events

Light Up Kirkland Holiday Lights! Spread the love and cheer this year with lights, inflatables, music, and holiday decorations of all kinds. Decorate your home between November 1 through December 9 and register to be a part of the City’s Light Up Kirkland competition! Each home registered must submit a photo of their holiday decorations (photo of the outside of your home) to Jessi Vandiver at jvandiver@kirklandwa.gov by December 9 at 5:00pm. The judging committee will review submissions on December 10. Then the committee will choose the top 10 homes to drive by and review them in person on December 14 between 5-8 PM. The top 3 winners will be announced on December 16, and winners will win a victory yard sign! Register for FREE at https://bit.ly/3BhTpGN.

KirklandTalks: 2021 Dialogue Series on Race and Racism Saturday, December 4, 2021 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us for an overview of the inclusive dialogue model and practice skills for engaging in - and hosting - conversations about racism. We focus on preparing, navigating, and reflecting. The dialogue format is structured to build relationships and understanding between participants from diverse racial backgrounds and to support anti-racist action in the community. This event is the final of four dialogue events sponsored by the City of Kirkland. This is a virtual event. Space is limited to 40. For more information and pre-registration visit here.

Holiday Bazaar hosted by Juanita Elementary PTA Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Place: Juanita Elementary (9635 NE 132nd St, Kirkland) Come shop over 50 local Artisans and vendors for your holiday gifts. Food Trucks will be on site serving yummy treats. The Juanita El Choir will be performing at 1 p.m. All proceeds from this event benefits the Juanita Elementary Outdoor Ed Program. Masks are required at this event. https://juanitael.digitalpto.com/holiday-bazaar/

Kirkland Holiday Lights at the 6th Street Google campus and the Cross Kirkland Corridor will be back this year starting December 6th. There will not be an official gathering to flip the switch but the lightshow will start on December 6th. Google is also allowing limited parking on the Google campus for visitors. People can park in the surface parking lot at Google and on the 1st level of Building D.

Holiday Giving Program The holiday season is fast approaching and it is the time of year that there is a great need in Kirkland and the surrounding communities for food and gifts. Community members that are less fortunate or have had circumstances beyond their control rely on the giving from others to help support their needs. From now through December 31, 2021, the Kirkland Fire Department stations will be drop points for the collection of non-perishable food and new gifts. The majority of the donations will go to Kirkland Hopelink with several other organizations receiving donations as well.

Juanita Beach Park Christmas Tree Lot Presented By: Kiwanis Club of Kirkland Time: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Date: Now through Dec. 24 (or until trees are all sold) Place: Juanita Beach Park (9703 NE Juanita Drive, Kirkland) Price: Varies -$55-$190 depending on tree size. The 2021 Kiwanis of Kirkland Christmas Tree lot is now open at Juanita Beach Park. Christmas trees from three feet to 12 feet will be on sale as well as wreaths, garland, and a variety of SEE's Candy. Proceeds will go towards supporting the Club, Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation, and local children's charities.

Holiday with the Hawks Kick off your holiday season with this fun and unique event! Date: Thursday, December 16 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Place: Peter Kirk Community Center Register Here Join us and Seahawk Legends for the 12 Days of Goodness. If you are a huge 12 or a fan of the Seahawk Legends, this is an event you will not want to miss! You will have an opportunity to get photo's, autographs and hear fun stories from some of your past favorites. Special thanks to Answers for Elders for making this special opportunity possible and to Koelsch Communities for sponsoring the lunch. Advanced registration required by 12/6! Masks are required but participants may remove them for the lunch portion of the event.

For more information, please contact:

David Wolbrecht – Communications Program Manager
City Manager's Office
City of Kirkland
425-587-3021  |  dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov