The next regular meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on September 5, 2023. More information about the meeting will be included in an upcoming edition of ‘This Week in Kirkland’ and on the City Council webpage.
Add Your Voice to Your Neighborhood's Future
The Juanita and Kingsgate Neighborhood Plans are being updated now. Each of the 14 neighborhoods in Kirkland has its own neighborhood plan within the City's Comprehensive Plan which guides future growth over the next 20 years within the context of the citywide policies. Kicking off the Juanita and Kingsgate updates will be a study session with the Planning Commission on August 24, 2023 at 7 p.m. Join or tune in to learn more about the update process and schedule. See the Planning Commission agenda page for upcoming meeting information. There will be opportunities to directly provide your input on the future of your neighborhood. To learn more about opportunities to participate and receive updates, visit the City’s project webpage at www.kirklandwa.gov/neighborhoodplanning or contact LeAndra Baker-Lewis, llewis@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3265
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Lieutenant Tyrel Koistinen of the Kirkland Fire Department has joined many others from across the Puget Sound region to assist in the recovery efforts of the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. Lt. Koistinen is a Hazmat specialist and a member on the Washington Task Force 1 (WA-TF1), an interagency group that’s part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Search & Rescue Team.
Lt. Koistinen was sent to Maui last week and could be deployed for up to 14 days. Read more.
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Kirkland Cultural Arts Commissioner (KCAC) Star Hang Nga Rush has been appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the Washington State Arts Commission, also known as ArtsWA.
The mission of ArtsWA is to nurture and support the role of the arts in the lives of all Washingtonians. ArtsWA manages and protects the state art collection, provides grant opportunities to expand art participation, supports communities that connect arts and culture to economic development, and supports high quality arts education.
Rush was recently appointed by the Kirkland City Council to serve on the KCAC, which advises the Council on art acquisition, supports arts and cultural initiatives, and promotes strategic arts planning throughout the City.
Rush is also the interim Executive Director and Director of Education at the Kirkland Arts Center.
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With the new school year fast approaching, a reminder to watch your speed in school zones for the safety of students and families going to and from school.
School zone cameras will be activated on September 5 and are located near John Muir Elementary / Kamiakin Middle School, Rose Hill Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, and Henry David Thoreau Elementary / Finn Hill Middle School / Carl Sandberg Elementary.
The speed limit in all school zones is 20 MPH and is enforced 30 minutes before and after the start of school and 30 minutes before and after the end of the school.
This school year, the school district is implementing changes to the start and release times at Finn Hill Middle and Carl Sandburg Elementary Schools. As a result, there will be a longer speed enforcement period within the combined school zones on 84th Ave NE where these schools (including Henry David Thoreau) are located. The new enforcement period will last 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is 45 minutes longer than last year.
For more information about the school zone safety camera program, visit the City’s website.
Looking to escape the heat? Although we’re on the tail end of this hot spell, here’s a reminder that public spaces - such as libraries, community centers, and shopping centers - are great options to provide relief from hot weather.
It’s good to have a list of places on hand, including:
North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Ave) open Mon – Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Peter Kirk Community Center (352 Kirkland Ave) open Mon – Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Kirkland Library (308 Kirkland Ave), and Kingsgate Library (12315 NE 143rd St). Hours available: kcls.org
- Day Center for families with children available at New Bethlehem Day Center (11920 NE 80th St Suite 100) open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Emergency drop-in shelter for women and women with children available at Helen’s Place (8045 120th Ave NE)
You’re invited to Fashions Night Out fashion show on August 26 from 5 – 9 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Community Center.
From the avant-garde to the classic, the eclectic to the bold, Ayo Collections has pulled out all the stops to bring you a fashion experience like no other.
The evening festivities start off with a guest party, followed by a grand runway event featuring Ayo Collections' latest trends.
At the after party, attendees can purchase their favorite items at a party pop-up shop.
Make sure to snap a few fun photos in the 360 photo booth!
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Kirkland Performance Center (KPC) is excited to announce the new KPC Studios is open and offering classes. KPC Studios is a 3,500-square foot educational music recording space that will provide multi-purpose recording and rehearsal studio space for youth and adults facilitating creativity and community building through musical learning and expression.
The first slate of classes begin September 11, and registration is now open. Classes include Songwriting 101, Ukulele Startup, Social Music Making, and The Business Of Being a Full-Time Musician, and more.
If not, you should swing by the Totem Lake Village entrance at Totem Lake Blvd NE and NE Village Plaza, the Kirkland Urban entrance at Central Way and Peter Kirk Lane, and the Juanita Beach Park entrance at NE Juanita Dr and 97th Ave NE.
The Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission (KCAC) selected three artists from the ‘Kirkland Welcomes You’ themed Utility Box Art Wrap art call to design these art wraps. The awarded artists’ designs reflect Kirkland’s diverse population, rich history, connected community and commitment to inclusion and belonging. These art wraps were successfully installed in July 2023 and recently recognized and celebrated in ribbon cuttings. These ‘Welcoming’ works of art can be viewed at these locations:
Location: Totem Lake Village entrance at Totem Lake Blvd NE and NE Village Plaza
Artist: Anón
Title: Mother Nature
Location: Kirkland Urban entrance at Central Way and Peter Kirk Lane
Artist: Carmel Mercado
Title: Miejos
Location: Juanita Beach Park entrance at NE Juanita Dr and 97th Ave NE
Artist: Blanca Santander
Title: Juanita’s Song
The City is thrilled to announce the winning drawings for the Totem Lake Connector Bridge Drawing Contest. The artistic talent of the winners captured the spirit of celebration surrounding the opening of the Totem Lake Bridge Connector.
Best Overall Drawing: Ava - Congratulations on your exceptional achievement in depicting the Totem Lake Bridge Connector's significance and beauty. Your artwork truly resonated with the essence of our community's unity and progress.
Most Creative Drawing: Skylar - Your imaginative portrayal of the Totem Lake Bridge Connector has brought a unique and captivating perspective to this occasion. Your creativity shines brightly!
What do you love most about Kirkland?
Ava: What I love most about Kirkland is its fun parks, Juanita Beach, Pump it Up, Serena, and the newly built Totem Lake Bridge because it’s blue and the lights look beautiful at night
Skylar: I love Kirkland because all the kids are nice so I can make friends easily. I also love Kirkland because it’s a safe place to live.
Fall/Winter Recreation Registration
Mark your calendar for our upcoming Fall/Winter Recreation Registration!
NEW for this year… We now have designated registration for Kirkland residents and non-residents.
Kirkland Resident registration opens August 23 at 7 a.m.
Non-Resident registration opens August 30 at 8 a.m.
In-person registration: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For a digital copy of the Fall 2023 & Winter 2024 Recreation Guide, visit the City website.
As Summer winds down, we have some spots open on some amazing Teen Outdoor Adventures. Check out all of our adventures on our Teen Programs website.
Some highlights of upcoming events are:
- Wednesday 8/23 Outdoor Yoga @ Marsh Park (activity code: 16730)
- Thursday 8/24 Boulder River (activity code: 17439)
- Tuesday 8/29 Mt. Rainier via Freemont Lookout (activity code: 16714)
- Wednesday 8/30 River Floating #3 (activity code: 16732)
#NoMoreFOMO #LetsGoChasingWaterfalls #SeeYouOnTheTrails
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King County Metro will have service reductions and suspensions going into effect on Saturday, September 2. Read their blog for more details and to plan ahead.
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You’ll see the City’s slurry seal contractor out and about from now through September. Slurry seal is applied every year to help extend the life of neighborhood streets. Streets are closed to travel and parking while “Road Closed” signs are up. Additionally, the contractor sweeps streets one week, three weeks and three months after application. Street parking is not available during sweepings. To check when the slurry seal application is scheduled for your neighborhood, visit: www.kirklandwa.gov/slurryseal
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The Northbound driving, bike lane and sidewalk along Market Street will be closed August 16 to September 6 on Mondays to Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for extensive storm system and road work. Please plan to use alternate routes. Detour signs will be posted.
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Totem Lake Blvd at 132nd St.
From 8 p.m. Friday, Aug 18 through 5 a.m. Monday, Sept 4, NE 132nd St will be closed between 116th Way and Totem Lake Blvd NE. For details, and everything you need to know about roundabouts, visit the WSDOT blog.
Date: Fridays through September
Time: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive
Just in time for a bit cooler temperatures - Hot Food vendors! Choose from Mexican, Salvadorean, Russian Crepes, Barbecue, and fresh baked goods. Entertainment by John Frost 3p-5p, Gary Benson 5p-7p, sponsored by Parkshore Juanita Bay. Busy Lil Bees Kids Booth sponsored by Kirkland Kids Dentistry.
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FANTACON
Date: August 25 - 27, 2023
Location: various locations, see schedule
Kirkland FANTACON is a unique celebration of "Graphica," encompassing comics, graphic novels, and hand-drawn narrative illustration. Its inaugural event will be held August 25 - 27, 2023 in downtown Kirkland. It will include exhibition of original artworks by master cartoonists, panels, presentations by a stellar group of local and celebrated artists, art demos, book signings, an art festival/market, and more.
For more information about tickets, locations and the full schedule of events, check this site and sign up to receive updates and announcements about this exciting event!
Date: Saturday, August 26
Time: 1 –3 p.m.
Location: Juanita High School, 10601 NE 132nd St
Join the party and get ready for the new school year! Get a free haircut, backpack, and school supplies (while supplies last) thanks to a partnership with Communities in School Renton and Lake Washington School District.
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Upcoming Blood Donation Drive
Location: North Kirkland Community Center Multi Purpose Room, 12421 103rd Ave NE
Bloodworks Northwest is on rotation for the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps, during the first and fourth weeks of August. This commitment means they need to rush a shipment of Type O blood anywhere in the USA where it is needed. Help us to make sure the community supply is ready for everyday needs, and emergencies. The City of Kirkland Blood Drive will be August 29-31 at the North Kirkland Community Center, so come join us and roll up your sleeve. The gift of your donation will ensure we have enough blood in reserve whenever and wherever the need strikes. Make your appointment today.
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Date: Saturday, September 9
Location: Peter Kirk Pool, 340 Kirkland Ave
Join us for our 3rd annual See Spot Splash event. Bring your dog to splash and play at the Peter Kirk Pool, then head over to nearby Lee Johnson Field for some off-leash fun. This event will include vendor booths, music, and treats.
Pre-register at www.Kirklandparks.net or pay in person at the pool. Cost is $10 per dog. Participating dogs must be well behaved, show proof of vaccination, and be on a leash to enter.
This event brought to you by the City of Kirkland and sponsored by Juanita Hills Animal Hospital.
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Date: Saturday, September 9
Location: City Hall, 123 5th Ave
Save the date for our annual City Hall for All bash! Come on down to City Hall and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, trucks, tours, booths and more. Hope to see you there!
More information to come.
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The 132nd Square Park renovation is complete! Come visit and find your new favorite activity. Want a sneak peek? Watch our ribbon cutting video:
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