The City of Kenmore passes first bond measure in the city history

Kenmore residents are poised to gain significant safety and transportation-related investments with the passage of Kenmore’s Walkways & Waterways Improvements bond measure. Proposition 1 Walkways & Waterways Improvements is the first city bond measure ever on the ballot in the City of Kenmore, which was incorporated in 1998.

Through an extensive community input process known as “Imagine Kenmore,” Kenmore residents confirmed that safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists and connecting residents with the City’s public open space and waterfront are top priorities. The five projects included in the bond measure reflects the results of the public input. Proposition 1 authorizes the City to issue up to $19.75 million in bonds to be repaid over a period of 20 years from the date of each bond series to pay for the projects listed below to be constructed over the next seven years.

Pedestrian and bicyclist safety is a City priority. The City is committed to its Target Zero goal of achieving zero pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries by 2025 through project improvements such as safer walkways and bicycle routes, education and enforcement. The Walkways and Waterways bond measure includes new sidewalks and bicycle lanes on Juanita Drive and 68th Ave NE.

1. 68th Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
   New sidewalk and buffered bike lanes on 68th Avenue connecting downtown Kenmore at 182nd Street to the northern city limit. 
    
2. Juanita Drive Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
   New sidewalk and buffered bike lanes on Juanita Drive from the Kirkland city limit north to 170th Street/Simonds Road. Other improvements include adding or extending selected left turn lanes, and improving the curve at NE 155th Place. 

Improving public access to Kenmore's waterfront is also a priority. The City has over seven miles of shoreline on Lake Washington and the Sammamish River but limited opportunities for public access. Kenmore residents’ desire to connect to the waterfront has been strongly expressed over the years and was confirmed through the Imagine Kenmore community engagement process. The Walkways and Waterways bond measure includes public waterfront improvements at Log Boom Park, Rhododendron Park, and Squire’s Landing Park.
 

1. Log Boom Park Waterfront Access and Viewing
   Improve public access to Lake Washington including beach expansion, new trails and viewpoints, picnic areas, waterfront pavilion, environmental enhancements, and access for hand-powered watercraft. 
    
2. Rhododendron Park Waterfront and Natural Open Space Access
   Improve public access to the Sammamish River by constructing a new trail and boardwalk to connect the existing playfield through the natural open space to the riverfront and future dock. The project will also include improving the access drive and parking near the river, as well as environmental enhancements to the shoreline and wetlands. 
    
3. Squire’s Landing Park Waterfront and Natural Open Space Access
   Eleven acres of new park development to enhance public access to the Sammamish River. Natural open space restoration, trails, boardwalks, and viewing points will connect the park to the river and adjacent Burke-Gilman Trail along NE 175th Street. The project will also add new docks, parking and a restroom.

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