 Photo credit: K. Zech
|
|
|
|
City of Lake Forest Park17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.gov
206-368-5440
June 2023 |
|
|
|
Mayor’s Corner – Summer Events are Here!
If you’d like to get out and about for some fun this summer, you don’t need to go far. With the warmer weather comes the return of our summer events. You’ll see the lineup of LFP summer events has a little something for everyone! Watch for updates on our website and Events Calendar. - Safety Day for Kids: June 24, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Lower-level parking lot at City Hall
- Concert in the Park: June 28, 6:30 p.m. – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Pet Parade: July 15 - More information available soon!
- Battle of the Bands: August 3 – 5, 5:30 p.m. – Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Family Day at the Farmers Market: August 20, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.– City Hall parking lot
- Picnic in the Park: September 9, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Pfingst Animal Acres Park
- Yoga in the Park Series makes its return Saturday mornings at Pfingst Animal Acres Park from July 8 – August 19, 9:00 a.m., stay tuned for more details and updated information about this free event.
I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our events this summer. --Mayor Johnson
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shoreline Fire Open House, Pancake Breakfast, and Safety Fair at Kenmore HQ Fire Station – June 3
Please note: this event has already occurred. On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the Shoreline Fire Department is hosting an Open House and Safety Fair at the Kenmore headquarters fire station, located at 7220 NE 181st Street in Kenmore. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and includes a free pancake breakfast from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Included are challenge courses for kids; an opportunity to tour the fire engine, aid car and rescue truck; and firefighter live demonstrations. The safety fair will include the King County Library, the City of Kenmore, City of Lake Forest Park Police Department, Northshore Utility District, and additional exhibitors with valuable health and safety information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
LFP Farmers Market – Sundays through October 14, 2023
The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, sponsored by the City’s community partner Third Place Commons, opened on Mother’s Day, and runs Sundays through October 14. Market hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Market welcomes SNAP benefits, WIC and senior benefits, and Market Bucks. This year, SNAP Market Match will provide up to $25 per market day in matching funds for SNAP recipients to access the best of healthy, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and veggie starts. So don’t miss the fun every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The market is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE in the lower-level parking lot of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park. Updates and more information are available on the Third Place Commons website.
|
|
|
|
 Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash |
Council Corner – Setting Lower Speed Limits
Since last spring, the City Council has been considering reductions to speed limits on our local roads and state highways which will prioritize pedestrian and multi-modal safety. The Council discussed a multi-phased approach to setting lower speed limits which began with the adoption of a speed limit setting methodology as required by state statute. As part of this ongoing safety effort, we are also continuing to move forward with the process to reduce the speed limits on SR 522 (Bothell Way NE) and SR 104 (Ballinger Way NE) to ensure the safety of all pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. On October 13, 2022, the City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1252 adopting the National Association of City Transportation Officials’ (“NACTO) 2020 City Limits, Setting Safe Speed Limits on Urban Streets (“City Limits”), a document intended to provide cities with guidance on how to strategically set speed limits on urban streets, using a Safe Systems approach, to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. As recommended in the City Limits document, the City will consider three or more phases to increasing safety on our roads. - Setting default speed limits on many streets at once (such as 25 mph on major streets and 20 mph on all minor neighborhood streets),
- Designating slow zones in sensitive areas, and
- Setting corridor speed limits on high priority major streets, using a safe speed study, which uses conflict density and activity level to set context-appropriate speed limits.
Ordinance 1252 will move forward with a Safe Speed Study in accordance with methodology in City Limits to determine the speed limits that will best minimize the risk of persons being killed or seriously injured in Lake Forest Park. This work that the Council is conducting is very timely and necessary. The reduced traffic during the pandemic emboldened some drivers to ignore basic courtesy and safety and this has led to a significant increase in unlawful behavior on our roads and state highways. Traffic volume is down, yet infractions are up, as are crashes on a per-trip basis. It is the Council’s intent to create a speed-setting program that slows drivers down and one that reflects the character of our community. Be safe out there whether walking, riding and especially when driving! --Deputy Mayor Tom French
|
|
|
|
 Photo by Danny Nee on Unsplash |
Safety Day for Kids – Saturday, June 24
On Saturday, June 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Lake Forest Park Police Department hosts its third annual Safety Day for Kids. Join us for a fun-filled day of outdoor safety education for children featuring biking, hiking, and water activities. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in a bicycle obstacle course to learn about traffic safety and considerate cycling. Our team of King County Search and Rescue representatives and Lake Forest Park Police Officers will discuss outdoor and water safety while giving away bicycle helmets and life jackets to children and adults with disabilities on a first-come, first-served basis. The Fire Department and a Police K9 unit will also be in attendance. Children will receive free safety bag giveaways and we'll have even more to offer this year as we move to the lower level of the City Hall parking lot for greater visibility and more space. Thanks to our generous sponsors at Nekter Juice Bar and Local 104's coffee truck, refreshments will be available, too. Don't miss out on this fun event! There may even be a dunk tank!
|
|
|
|
LFPPD Hires New Police Officer
The Lake Forest Park Police Department is pleased to announce the hiring of its newest Police Officer! Recruit Samantha (Sam) Gouin started on May 1. She is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and had a few key roles throughout her time in the military. Sam also held positions at Kemper Development Company, Praetorian Detective Agency, and the Mariners Team Store. In addition to those positions, Sam completed an associate degree at North Seattle College and received certification at the National Personal Training Institute. Sam states she is always looking for “ways to be engaged, learn, and continue my professional and personal development.” Sam said, “So, with that I’ll say I am so honored and ecstatic to be a part of the Lake Forest Park Police Department and its community.” She is currently scheduled to attend the police academy in April 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lake Forest Park Library Summer READS Program
Join the Lake Forest Park Library this July for its annual READS summer program. This year’s program marks the 18th year of this community literary event! This summer's READS book is Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk, by local author Sasha taqwšablu LaPointe. The community event with the author will take place on Tuesday, July 25, at 7:00 p.m. at Third Place Commons. The annual READS summer program is sponsored by the City of Lake Forest Park’s Library Advisory Committee, Third Place Books, and Friends of the Shoreline, Richmond Beach, and Lake Forest Park Libraries.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mini Recycling Collection Event with City of Kenmore – Friday, June 16
The cities of Lake Forest Park and Kenmore are partnering for a combined Mini Recycling Collection Event, Friday, June 16, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – Noon! The collection event will only accept: - Oil- and Latex-Based Paint: Interior and exterior architectural paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based, and enamel paint. Shellacs, lacquers, and varnishes. Primers, sealers, and stains. All products must be in the original container, with original label, and in liquid form. Cans do not need to be full. Limit: 100 gallons per vehicle. No spray paint.
- Television Sets/Computer Equipment: Televisions, computer CPUs, laptops, monitors, tablets, E-readers, and portable DVD players. Please note that computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, and fax machines are not included in this program.
- Confidential Document Shredding: Shredding and recycling of confidential paper materials. Limit 4 file-size boxes. No exceptions.
The collection event will take place at Northlake Lutheran Church, 6620 NE 185th Street, Kenmore, WA 98028.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regional Animal Services of King County’s License for Love Campaign
Now through June 30, 2023, when you license your cat or dog or renew an expired license, your late fees will be waived. Stop by the LFP City Hall reception desk, license online at kingcounty.gov/LicenseMyPet, or call 206-296-2712.
|
|
|
|
Shoreline School District Recruiting for Bus Drivers
The Shoreline School District is now hiring and training bus drivers! Bus Drivers - Employees are paid during driver training.
- Permanent positions, 4+ hours/day available.
- Full-time work is available.
- Substitute drivers are also needed.
- Starting pay rate is $27.10/hour and $30.75/hour after just 60 days!
Why work for Shoreline Schools Transportation? - Give back to children and the community.
- Morning and afternoon hours free up your day.
- Extra pay opportunities driving for field trips, athletics, and activities.
- Be the first to welcome students to their school day.
Benefits include retirement, medical, dental (family), vision (family), paid leave, paid holidays, life insurance. Apply today at: www.shorelineschools.org/jobs Job posting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3611776252 View the job flyer.
|
|
|
|
 Newly planted tree at Horizon View Park, with a slow-release watering bag. |
|
|
|
Care for Your Trees During the Dry Season – a Message from the Tree Board
How do we take care of our trees during this time of unpredictable, changeable weather? Trees need water, just like your flower and vegetable gardens and lawn. Proper watering and mulching will help your trees survive upcoming hot and dry spells. Water Water needs differ for newly planted trees and established trees. Newly planted trees need routine watering for the first three years. More established trees have put down deep roots and require less water. For all trees: Water deeply and infrequently rather than delivering more frequent shallow watering. Deep watering encourages deep root growth; shallow watering encourages roots closer to the surface. How do I know when to water? Check the soil around the base of the tree and at the drip line*. Poke a finger into the soil a few inches below the surface: Water if the soil is dry or barely moist. You can also use a water meter, available at most nurseries and garden centers. Check newly planted trees every few days for the first three years; check established trees once a week. How do I know how much to water? For newly planted trees, thoroughly soak the soil several inches down. One guideline suggests two gallons of water for each diameter inch of trunk for the first three years. A drip irrigation bag around the base of the tree can also ensure the tree is getting enough water. Checking the soil around your established trees is the best way to determine if they need water. Here the general guideline is one inch of water per week. Use a soaker hose at the tree’s drip line to deliver water right to the roots. Mulch The list of benefits that mulch provides is a long one. Here are a few: - Reduces moisture loss around the base of the tree
- Controls weeds
- Provides insulation for the roots during temperature extremes
- Improves the soil over time: aeration, structure, drainage
- Reduces the chance of damage to the tree bark caused by weed whackers and lawnmowers
- Certain mulches decompose over time, improving soil fertility
What kind of mulch should I use? Wood and bark chips make the best mulch. They do not contain pesticides or dyes and because of the variety of material, decompose slowly, providing nutrients to the tree. Most tree services will give you the chips for free. You may get enough to spread on your other landscape areas and paths in addition to what you’ll need for your trees. Arborist chips may not be as pretty as bagged mulch, but they do a great job of protecting the tree roots. Bagged mulches are also an option. Choose a chunky mulch rather than one with very fine pieces. Chunky mulch allows air and water to pass through; fine mulches will become matted over time, impeding air and water flow. Avoid mulches with dyes, which will leach into the soil. You can also use an inorganic mulch like rock, pebbles, or lava rock. Rubber mulches (ground or cut-up tires) are not a good choice, as they can leach chemicals. They are also flammable, a genuine consideration now during our hot season. How should I spread the mulch? Keep mulch away from the tree trunk by six to eight inches. Spread it two to four inches deep out to the drip line. We value our trees in Lake Forest Park. Preparing for hot, dry weather will help our trees survive and be more resistant to our changing weather. *Drip line: Line on the ground underneath the outermost branches of the tree’s crown. (US Forest Service)
|
|
|
|
Puget Sound Starts Here…Tire Pressure is Key
A toxic chemical from tire dust is killing Coho salmon in our local waters. What's one small action you can start now to help? Keep your tires properly inflated. Check your car tires monthly and add air if needed. Why? It helps slow tire wear, which means a longer life for your tires – and salmon, too. Get more info on the 6PPD-quinone issue and how our region is working on solutions in this great Making Waves article from Puget Sound Partnership.
|
|
|
|
 Concert in the Park 2022 - Pfingst Animal Acres Park |
|
|
|
Concert in the Park - Pfingst Animal Acres Park - June 28, 6:30 p.m.!
The City of Lake Forest Park and ShoreLake Arts are partnering for a Concert in the Park! Head to Pfingst Animal Acres Park Wednesday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy a performance by Jaeden Luke! Concerts in the park are free, no tickets needed! Bring seating for the lawn or a blanket for an evening picnic and enjoy the show!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendars, the King County Wastemobile will be in Bothell June 23-25
Do you have Household Hazardous Waste that needs disposal? The King County Wastemobile is making a stop in Bothell from Friday – Sunday, June 23-25, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to provide household hazardous waste disposal services for King County residents. The address is 18115 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011. You may drop off items such as antifreeze, batteries, gasoline, fluorescent lights, and pesticides. To view the full list of what you can and cannot bring and learn some safety tips visit the King County Household Hazardous Waste webpage or call the Household Hazards Line with King County at 206-296-4692. If you cannot make it to the Wastemobile, do not dispose of hazardous waste like cleaning products, batteries, or pesticides in the garbage or down the drain. Take it to the North Seattle Hazardous Waste drop-off site for safe disposal. Additional information is available on the link above.
|
|
|
|
Stay Current on City News
Want to keep up with what’s going on at the City? There are several ways to stay informed. Subscription options include notices of city meetings and events, planning announcements, emergency alerts, city newsflashes, and more! Click here for the full list of available subscriptions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
