Meeting friends for dinner, gathering with family at a park, enjoying fresh air markets and festivities with neighbors, all with a backdrop of lush trees and sunlight sparkling on the water: this is summer in Kirkland, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. As we emerge from the pandemic and reconnect with the people, places and events we hold dear, I’m truly grateful to live in and serve such a stunning city.
The Juanita Friday Market at Juanita Beach Park and Kirkland Wednesday Market at Marina Park are in full swing, offering local fruits and vegetables, handcrafted confections, freshly baked goods, cut flowers and much more. Pop-up park activities in August in include a pop-up off-leash dog park at Snyder’s Corner Park and a pop-up sprinkler park at Everest Park. “Evenings on Park Lane,” happen nightly starting at 6 p.m., where the west end of Park Lane is closed to vehicles so that our vibrant downtown core can be more easily enjoyed on foot or by bike.
In addition to ongoing events and exciting summer recreation programs, the City of Kirkland is presenting several fun events this summer. August events include Kirkland’s Cornhole Classic Tournament on Friday, August 6 starting at 7 p.m. at Lee Johnson Field; Sun, Set, Spike Grass Volleyball Tournament August 25 and 27 at Lee Johnson Field; and Free Yoga in the Park on Saturday, August 28 starting at 9 a.m. at OO Denny Park.
We are also celebrating the return of many beloved Kirkland traditions. Summer Kids Concerts are happening Tuesday mornings at Juanita Beach Park, the Summer Evening Concert Series is back at Marina Park on Thursday evenings, the Waterfront Car Show Saturday takes place Saturday, August 7, and Kirkland Uncorked happens August 27, 28, 29.
Knowing the popularity of Kirkland’s parks and downtown during summer months, and the potential for intensified activity after a prolonged time of restrictions due to the pandemic, the City of Kirkland established a multi-pronged approach to making the experience safe, healthy and enjoyable. To prepare for crowds, the City has invested in additional programming and staffing for the summer including more garbage and recycling services at parks and increased police bicycle patrols.
We are excited to reopen City of Kirkland facilities to the public. While access City facilities was limited during the pandemic, City staff and leadership were still working tirelessly for Kirkland’s present and future. We are committed to an inclusive and equitable community; vibrant neighborhoods; community safety; supportive human services; balanced transportation; abundant parks, open spaces and recreational spaces; attainable housing; financial stability; a sustainable environment; dependable infrastructure; and a thriving economy. We have continued to make progress toward these goals despite the challenges of COVID-19 and will continue this important work as we return to a “new normal” and beyond.
It’s wonderful to once again see our parks and beaches filled with people enjoying the outdoors, our world class restaurants and shops bustling with activity, and people walking and biking along the waterfront and trails. I encourage everyone to visit ExploreKirkland.com and the City’s main website, www.kirklandwa.gov, for more information about the many programs and events happening this summer. I’m excited for the sunshine and for all that Kirkland offers, and even more thrilled to be able to enjoy it with my community. I look forward to seeing you at a Kirkland business, park, or business very soon.