THIS WEEK: Parks & Pedestrian Connections | A Community Discussion (June 29 & 30; 6:00-8:00 p.m.)

• Sidewalk and walkway projects that improve safety and connections throughout the City, which were rated highest by residents during the previous Safe Streets project community discussions (particularly walkways for our 3 elementary schools).
• Improvements and recreation facilities at existing parks, including projects identified with community input that are in the City’s recent Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan.
• A public process resulting in the development of a Master Plan, identifying future improvements and recreational facilities at our new lakefront park just north of Lyon Creek Park.

Take the Lake Forest Park Accessory Dwelling Unit Survey by June 30

The Lake Forest Park Planning Commission is currently reviewing the City's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) code to determine if changes to this code could benefit our community more. We have created this survey to gather input from you. Note, an ADU is a small, self-contained residential unit or apartment located on the same lot as an existing single-family home.

An ADU may be created as a separate unit within an existing home (such as in an attic or basement); an attached addition to the home (such as a separate apartment unit with separate entrance); or in a separate, detached structure on the lot (such as a converted garage).

Please click here and submit your completed survey by June 30.

Council Corner - Investing in Our Parks and Pedestrian Connections

I am thankful for the trees of Lake Forest Park, as they provide welcome shade to mitigate the extreme heat we are experiencing. Generations of residents planted and cared for these trees, and I am grateful for their care and foresight. 

It is now our turn to make sure that we leave a healthy and thriving city for future generations. 

Over the past five years, the City Council commissioned plans to ensure that our creeks are healthy, our streets and roads are safe, and that we have parks that serve our citizens well. These plans were developed with robust community input and have proved successful in enabling the city administration to gain county, state, and federal grant funding. With this funding, and a little of our own city funds, we have added three new parks, built new culverts to remove fish barriers, and are planning and will soon build a roundabout on Ballinger Way to provide a safer intersection at 40th Place.

Now it is time for our community to again come together and take the next step to improve our city and provide safe pedestrian and bicycle connections, plan and develop our newly acquired lakefront park, and complete improvements for our other new parks – 5 Acre Woods and Brookside Park. 

I hope that you can join us in community conversations this week (see related article) and look forward to other opportunities to hear from our residents. Your input will be crucial as the Council decides on revenue options and an investment plan that will provide safer streets with sidewalks, especially around our schools and parks. We also need your ideas on how we improve and develop our new parks, so that you and generations of children to come, can enjoy the lake and the outdoors with family and friends.

-- Deputy Mayor Phillippa Kassover

Summer Pet Safety Tips from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)

• Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool water to pets, and shade from the sun.
• Though pets still need exercise during warm weather, take extra care when exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and dogs with thick coats, as they are especially vulnerable to overheating.
• On very hot days, limit walks to early morning or evening hours. Remember that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.
• NEVER leave your pet in a car on a hot day, when the temperature inside a car can quickly rise to 120 degrees or more, even with windows left slightly open. Animals left in a hot car, even for just a few minutes, can suffer from heat stroke, brain damage, or death. If you see a pet in distress from the heat, call 9-1-1; or, if you live in the RASKC service area, call 206-296-7387.

• Keep your pet secured indoors in the quietest room of your home while fireworks are going off. You can also use soothing music or television as a distraction. Some pets will stay calmer when placed in a secure crate in a darkened, quiet room.
• If your pet is normally kept outside, bring them inside or put them in a well-ventilated garage or shed or in a basement during fireworks displays.
• Make sure your pet is licensed and has an ID tag or microchip. Lost pets with ID have a much greater chance of being returned to their owners.
• Don't assume your pet won't react just because you haven't had problems in the past. Sometimes, pets become sensitive to loud noises later in life.
• If your pet does manage to escape, RASKC is ready to help. Owners of missing pets can check in person at all local shelters, or visit the Lost Pets page. If you've found a stray pet, visit the Found Pets page for information about how you can help.

Join King County Executive Constantine and King County – Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) Elected Officials at a Virtual Town Hall on July 1

The City of Lake Forest Park joined the King County Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) in 2019 and has been an active partner. Councilmember Mark Phillips is the City’s representative to this group, attending meetings and providing reports to the City Council.

When: Thursday, July 1, from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Who/What: Elected Officials will discuss K4C actions to spur human-centered, low-carbon housing for all. This meeting is open to the public.

Format: The event will include presentations, a panel discussion, and Q&A opportunities for attendees.

How to Join (no account needed):

Login: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87258540337?pwd=c2wxL0U3bHI5dFptL3dGWEY5U1g0UT09
Meeting ID: 872 5854 0337
Passcode: 530346

National Night Out is August 3

National Night Out is a nationwide event organized by police organizations across the country that takes place annually on the first Tuesday of August. The purpose behind this event is to strengthen relationships between neighbors and to bring police and the citizens together to help foster a true sense of community. Neighborhoods around the country organize activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, and a variety of other activities. Police officers and command staff visit and spend time with citizens and inform them about community and police programs.

The Lake Forest Park Police Department is looking forward to this year’s National Night Out and the opportunity to spend time with all of you! With COVID-19 still around, we will have to make sure that we adhere to regulations for the safety of everyone. 

We are always looking to add communities to our roster for National Night Out. If you and your neighbors are interested in participating, please email Lieutenant Rhonda Lehman or give her a call at 206-957-2852.

Lake Forest Park READS!

WHAT: This is an annual community event when we read a book and join together in conversation with the book's author. This year's selection is The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune. This book tells the story of Linus Baker, who follows all the rules when he investigates orphanages for magical children...but one unique orphanage leads him to reexamine his beliefs. The book is a heartwarming story of found family and the value of looking past your assumptions.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 27, 7:00pm

WHERE: An online virtual community conversation with the author, TJ Klune

HOW: Registration required