This Week: Memorial Day Closure | Sustainability Program for KPD | Water Safety Reminders | Upcoming Events

View as a webpage

this week in kirkland

May 25, 2023

city of kirkland washington

City Facilities Closed for Memorial Day

Holiday Closure Memorial Day 2023.jpg

In observance of Memorial Day, City administrative offices are closed on Monday, May 29. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal and over the phone will resume 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 30.  

Memorial Day is observed as a federal holiday to recognize and honor those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Military. Join us as we contemplate and remember, with gratitude and reverence, the heroes who sacrificed in service to our country. 

Next City Council Meeting on June 6

councilmembers-group-photo-at-heritage-hall_original

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for June 6.  

More information about the June 6 meeting will be included in an upcoming edition of ‘This Week in Kirkland’ and will be available on the City website on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page. 

Community Conversations

Housing and Human Services community survey

Kirkland 2044 - Housing & Human Services Survey  

We want to hear what you think about the future of Housing and Human Services in the City.     

In this survey, we want to:     

  • Understand the current housing and human services needs of those who live and want to live in Kirkland   
  • Identify challenges and hardships people face when trying to rent or purchase a home in Kirkland   
  • Learn about the community’s priorities for housing and human services to improve City policies and services    

Join the conversation! Please take 10 minutes to share your thoughts! 


Transportation & Land K2044 Survey July 31

Kirkland 2044 – Land Use & Transportation Survey    

We’re extending our Land Use & Transporation Survey to hear more of the community’s input on how Kirkland should move in the future.    

We want to learn about: 

  • What uses you want within walking/biking distance of your home   
  • How and where future growth should happen   
  • How you travel around the City now, and how you want to travel around the City in the future   
  • How we can make it easier for you to walk, bike, roll, and bus in Kirkland   

Share your thoughts in our brief survey.   

For more information about the Kirkland 2044 Comprehensive Plan update, and for other ways to get involved, visit kirklandwa.gov/K2044   


Citywide Transportation Plan Update - Community Forum

Come join us on June 7th from 6-7pm to share your vision for the future of transportation in Kirkland.  The city is updating the Transportation Master Plan and we want to hear from you.  The city will share what is being updated and host a discussion.  You can also share your thoughts by taking this short survey.

Zoom Link
https://kirklandwa-gov.zoom.us/j/84025702756
+1 206 337 9723 US (Seattle)
Webinar ID: 840 2570 2756

City Advances Sustainability with Incentive Program for KPD

KPD EV program

The City of Kirkland and the Kirkland Police Guild have launched an innovative partnership that will help retain and recruit the best officers at the Kirkland Police Department (KPD) while also advancing sustainability goals by reducing fossil fuel emissions. This partnership helps implement the City’s Sustainability Master Plan to electrify the City’s fleet vehicles and support vehicle electrification in the community. The Kirkland and Guild agreement keeps Kirkland a best-in-class employer for police and improves on the current practice of local police departments providing take home patrol vehicles for officers. No later than July 1, 2023, the City will lease electric Hyundai Konas provided by Seattle Hyundai for commissioned officers to reduce the cost of commuting between their home and the Kirkland Justice Center. Officers may also receive an equivalent monthly stipend if they lease or buy their own electric vehicle.

Read more 

National EMS Week

KFD EMS Ambulance

It’s National EMS Week! A time to recognize Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and the entire Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workforce at the Kirkland Fire Department and across the country for their service and sacrifices for the critical role they have in our communities. Thank you!

Safe Boating and Paddling Week

Kayaking

With our proximity to Lake Washington and a variety of waterways, residents and visitors from all over come to enjoy boating, standup paddleboarding, kayaking and more. But’s critical to stay safe while out on the lake.

To help raise awareness of this, the Mayor proclaimed May 20-26, 2023, as “Safe Boating and Paddling Week” in Kirkland. Safe Boating and Paddling Week serves as a reminder for recreational boaters and paddlers to: 

  • Wear a life jacket - the Coast Guard estimates life jackets could prevent nearly 86% of boating deaths 
  • Practice basic boating safety - like carrying emergency distress equipment or getting a free safety check for your watercraft 
  • Take a boating safety course 
  • Stay sober while operating a boat (or a paddleboard) 

Let’s remember to Boat Smart, Boat Safe and wear lifejackets while enjoying our beautiful waterways. 

Juanita Friday Market Opens June 2

Juanita Friday Market Logo

The smell of baked goods, the alure of fresh fruit, the beauty of fresh-cut flowers. That’s right – it’s time to kick off the 17th season of the Juanita Friday Market on June 2 at Juanita Beach Park.  

This weekly Friday fare has become a favorite for foodies and families and will consist of fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, hand crafted confections, beverages, as well as offerings from local artisans and crafters. Live entertainment will be provided weekly, sponsored by Parkshore Juanita Bay. The Busy Lil Bees Kids Booth is sponsored by Kirkland Kid’s Dentistry. Crafts and games will be available as well as face painting one Friday per month. 

Come on down to Juanita Beach Park to enjoy sunshine, fresh goods, and fun vibes! 

Holiday Weekend Grilling Safety Tips

grill with open flame

BBQ season is here, and safety is key to enjoying grilling season. Kirkland Fire Department responds to several fires every year started by BBQ grills. 1 out of 5 grill fires is due to lack of cleaning the grill, and most injuries from grill fires are thermal burns.  Whether you choose to grill with propane, wood chips, pellets, or good old-fashioned charcoal, here are some grilling safety tips to keep in mind this holiday weekend and throughout summer: 

  • Only use a grill outside and away from home, deck railing, eves and hanging trees  
  • Never bring propane tanks inside your home  
  • Remove grease buildup from the grill and tray before and after every use  
  • Open the grill before lighting  
  • Check the gas hose for leaks before the first seasonal use by applying a light soap and water solution along the hose - gas leaks will form bubbles on the hose  
  • If using starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid    
  • Dispose of charcoal in a metal container only after completely cooled  

In Kirkland, both charcoal and propane grills are allowed on the decks of apartments and condos, but individual complexes and homeowner’s associations may have their own rules. Be sure to check with your property first. 

See more info about the Fire Prevention Bureau within the Kirkland Fire Department. 

Be Safe While Swimming

safe swimming infograph

Preparing for the Worst: Kirkland Firefighters Train on Commercial Vehicle Rescue

FD Commercial Vehicle Rescue

It’s a call no one wants to receive – someone was in a car accident. Our first responders don’t like receiving those calls either, but they’re ready for them.  

Kirkland Fire Department along with fire agencies from Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Shoreline and Eastside Fire & Rescue are committed to being prepared for the unique challenges of heavy commercial vehicle rescue. Twenty-seven firefighters attended a weeklong training course and learned: how to remove cars from underneath heavy vehicles using lifting struts and airbags, and how to extricate patients from inside vehicles using the jaws of life. They also learned about new challenges they might face from modern technologies such as lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. This helps firefighters to be prepared for these new hazards as well as maintain and improve the skills needed to rapidly extricate patients from harm in heavy rescue emergencies. This training is managed by our very own Kirkland Fire Lieutenant Tyrel Koistinen, who is the regional program lead and subject matter expert in our area. 

Every year, there are more than 100,000 motor vehicle accidents in Washington, with more than 700 of those being fatal. Most accidents are preventable. Remember: 

  • Always wear your seatbelt - over half of people killed in car crashes were not wearing seatbelts 
  • Do not drive under the influence - these account for nearly 1/3 of all car crash fatalities 
  • Obey speed limits 
  • Don’t drive distracted 

Final Week to Spark Creativity (and Get Kirkland Ca$h)

spark creativity art scholarships

Are you passionate about the arts? Join Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation in igniting creativity in Kirkland! Your donation to the Spark Creativity campaign will help Kirkland arts educators provide scholarships to children in need. 

Donate through May 31 and help widen access to arts education for all youth in our community. Plus, receive $25 in Kirkland Ca$h for every $100 donated.

Learn more.

Spring Tending & Trimming Tips

Right of Way Trimming Vegetation This Not That

Spring has sprung! Plants are growing, and it’s time to dust off the yard tools. Here are some things to keep in mind this season as you trim and tend:  

  • It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain the area adjacent to their property, including trimming or removing plants that overhang or obstruct sidewalks, streets, or alleys and keeping sidewalks clear of debris 
  • The full width of the sidewalk should be free of vegetation and debris for the safety of pedestrians. Be considerate of our neighbors using strollers, wheelchairs, or who may be visually impaired.  
  • To request the pruning of a tree in the right-of-way, or the public street, contact the Planning and Building Department at (425) 587-3600.  
  • Blowing or moving leaves and debris into the street is prohibited and increases the risk of storm drain flooding, creates hazardous driving conditions, and slows down the street sweepers. Dispose of your yard waste responsibly.  

For information about sidewalks and roadways, trees, mowing and more, visit our Streets and Grounds webpage. 

Find Your Next Role at the City

Why Work for the City of Kirkland video with play button

Thrive at work and join the dedicated, supportive, and fun staff of the City of Kirkland. Voted one of the best places to live in America, we are committed to serving a safe and sustainable community where everyone belongs. If making a difference and working on something greater than yourself interests you, find your role and apply today: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/jobs

Traffic Alerts

Upcoming Events

7-hills-of-kirkland

7 Hills of Kirkland  

Date: Monday, May 29  

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  

Location: Marina Park  

The 7 Hills of Kirkland has been a beloved Memorial Day bike ride for over 20 years. The ride supports fundraising to provide housing and services to the Eastside’s less fortunate residents. Join a few hundred of your closest friends and challenge yourself to complete the traditional 38-mile route. Distance too short? Then the Metric Centry 62-mile course will provide the hills your heart desires. Either way, you'll finish back at Marina Park where you can celebrate with delicious strawberry shortcake.  

For more information, visit the event page.   


Pride Crosswalk

Pride Crosswalk Unveiling   

Date: Friday, June 2  

Time: 5 – 7 p.m. 

Location: Marina Park at Kirkland Ave and Lakeshore Plaza 

The City of Kirkland will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 2, 2023, at 5 p.m. to unveil the installation of a new crosswalk modeled after the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag at the entrance of Marina Park at Kirkland Avenue and Lakeshore Plaza.   

For more information, visit the event page.   


CERT continue education fire extinguisher.jpg

CERT Continuing Education 

Date: Wednesday, June 7 

Time: 6 – 7 p.m.  

Location: Fire Station 26, 9930 124th Ave NE 

Have you taken a CERT class and would like to refresh your skills? We invite CERT graduates who live in Kirkland to join us in a Fire Extinguisher review session. Come and strengthen your skills and get hands-on training on how to use a fire extinguisher. 

Click this link to sign upRegistration closes June 5 at 5:00 p.m. 


For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up to date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events 

Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter 

Video Spotlight - Glitz, Glam, and Gratitude at Community Appreciation Night!

Kirkland City Council and City staff honor the amazing and dedicated individuals who serve as Volunteers, Neighborhood Leaders, and Boards and Commissions members at the 2023 Community Appreciation Night. Watch our video of the event.

Community Appreciation Celebration 2023 with play button.png
facebooktwitterwebsite