びびなび : シアトル : (アメリカ合衆国) Seattle

Happy Friday!





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2025 Mayor Newsletter Header




April 11, 2025






earth day

Happy Friday, Kent!

Join Kent Parks, friends, and neighbors on Saturday, April 19, as we participate in the world's largest environmental conservation event: Earth Day!

This is a great opportunity to show some love to our little corner of this big, beautiful planet.

At this year's Earth Day event, volunteers will be removing invasive species and planting native plants alongside the creek at Clark Lake Park! 

During Green Kent events, volunteers gain experience with hands-on environmental conservation and is truly a great way to give back. Community members of all ages are welcome to volunteer and work to help keep our parks and natural areas healthy and thriving. 

 Learn more and register online today at *MyKentParks.com/GreenKent [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/volunteering/outdoor-conservation-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

As always, a lot is going on around the city and I'm excited to share this week's updates with you. Hope you enjoy and have a fantastic weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor






Weekly Roundup



thank you birds

What a fantastic and thrilling season for the *Seattle Thunderbird**s* [ https://www.facebook.com/SeattleThunderbirds?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZX5GT6fkpi9a3Yzo64nwklQhDHEUTVE7BoTypVAc8bXgxyZeEf2NRQ9AkjIbixr_S2IWVNOePMixR8udx4xThIp4VDpCIFqypTY53QWgyTcvRRt0-ad0MoDmS4lwEGobqQnu3q5TCwSiO5KgZh5VK6M4cNdqXt7NRy9-b_K31CslgZ-hivYNrnYuTwMOCLwrsV5tyFQtnp0iwd27fo7TW02yvDEz6w1JNF9a4l4qoP1_A&__tn__=-%5DK-R&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]! They gave the fans a real story this year and fought with heart to the end. The Kent community is proud of you all!





va

Just want to wish a joyful Vaisahki to all those celebrating in Kent! Vaisahki is celebrated among the Sikh community and marks the beginning of harvest season and the Sikh New Year.





luna market

I had such a wonderful time visiting Plaza Luna Market last week! From the delicious food to the stunning handmade crafts, every vendor brings their heart to the table.

This indoor market is filled with incredible Hispanic women entrepreneurs who share more than just goods, they’re sharing culture, passion, and community.





kent 101 pw

This week marks the final class of our Spring Kent 101 session!  For our last class, we heard from Public Works Director Chad Bieren and Deputy Director Dave Brock as they went into the infrastructure that keeps Kent running every day.

I look forward to celebrating their graduation in front of the Kent City Council Tuesday evening. These folks are well on their way to becoming Kent ambassadors, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their engagement and enthusiasm!





Hop into Wonderland [ https://www.kentstation.com/events/hop-into-wonderland-at-kent-station?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Hop Into Easter Fun at Kent Station! This free, family-friendly Easter celebration starts at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

There are 3 exciting egg hunts, a magical unicorn experience, a petting zoo with adorable bunnies, and I'll be delivering the Easter Bunny at 11 a.m. Click here for info! [ https://www.kentstation.com/events/hop-into-wonderland-at-kent-station?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]





PSRC study

Want to guarantee you’re represented in future regional transportation plans?

Check your mailbox from now until June for an invitation to complete the Puget Sound Regional Travel Study.

Invited households will receive a gift card for participating! *To learn more, visit: survey.psrc.org [ https://survey.psrc.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*





bees [ https://www.downtownkentwa.com/event/ssh25/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Kent Downtown Partnership is in the middle of their Spring scavenger hunt! It's a free, fun, family-friendly activity running the whole month of April--with the chance to win awesome prizes!

Little stuffed bees have scattered across Kent, and they need your help to track them down. Search for the hidden bees, complete your passport, and submit it for a chance to win prizes from local businesses. *Get your scavenger hunt passport here!  [ https://www.downtownkentwa.com/event/ssh25/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*





dd month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Kent PD will join regional police departments to conduct additional enforcement for distracted drivers.

Distractions are still a factor in 30% of fatal crashes across Washington. It takes all of us to keep our roadways safe. Help us all get from one place to the next safely. On the road, off the phone!





Kent Commons Grand Re-Opening
commons


The building remodel at the Kent Commons Community Center is nearing completion!

This exciting project is expected to wrap soon, with the facility slated to return to normal operations later this month.

The Kent Commons will boast a new entrance and front counter, an expanded weight room and locker rooms, along with a new family restroom and two refreshment areas with vending machines containing snacks and beverages.

?? *Sunday, May 4  *
⌚ *11 a.m. - 2 p.m.*
??  *Kent Commons 525 4th Ave. N*

Join the Kent Parks team to commemorate the culmination of this refresh with a fun and FREE celebration that is open to all. Come and explore what's NEW, attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30am, and enjoy FREE ice cream, popcorn, and an exclusive giveaway! 



meeker middle school teach

 

Congratulations to Meeker Middle School Science and Robotics teacher Neeraj Agnihotri!

She received the Washington Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Award for Student Involvement!





hops and cops

Meet Chief Padilla and officers on May 7 at the Harp Bar and Restaurant for another Hops and Cops event! 

This is an opportunity to ask questions, meet the Kent Police Department staff that handles your concerns, and connect with law enforcement that serves our community.

?? May 7
⌚ 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
?? The Harp Bar and Restaurant (24415 Russell Rd)



Medicine Take Back Day

drug take back day

The Kent Police Department is partnering with the DEA to collect any unused/expired medications. Medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

?? Saturday, April 26
⌚ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
?? Kent Police Department (220 4th Ave S.)

*Here's some information on how to drop off medications and what we can and cannot take. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/police-department/community-education?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* *If you have questions, please email sjudd@kentwa.gov*



blowers

 

Chief Padilla awarded Lifesaving Medals to Officers Cody Blowers and Husby for their heroic actions during a shooting on December 22, 2024.

 





husby

Responding to a chaotic scene, both officers applied emergency tourniquets to a gunshot victim, actions that medics later confirmed saved the individual’s life.

Their quick thinking and calm under pressure are a true reflection of Kent PD’s mission to protect and care for our community. Well done, Officers!





teen acadmy [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/police-department/community-education?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

The Kent Police Department is accepting applications for this year's Teen Police Academy on June 24–26.

This hands-on experience is open to current Kent sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2025 graduates who want to explore careers in law enforcement or learn more about the specialty units that serve our community.

Participants will dive into topics like K9, SWAT, detectives, narcotics, building searches, and mock scenarios.

?? Apply by May 29
?? Questions? Contact Stacy Judd at *sjudd@kentwa.gov* or 253-856-5883.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see what it’s like behind the badge!



Team Up 2 Clean Up
team up to clean up


Each spring and fall, the City of Kent hosts TeamUp2CleanUp: a little cleanup event where community members work to beautify Kent as individuals or in teams at various locations around the city. 

We provide garbage bags and disposal, safety vests and little grabbers. Gloves are recommended and closed shoes are required. 

?? Saturday, May 17
?? 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Meet our teams at one of the following locations:
??East Hill: Kent United Methodist Church (11010 SE 248th St)
??Downtown: Kherson Park (307 West Gowe)
??West Hill: West Hill Plaza (24700 Military Road)
??*Clean your OWN location! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/21314/638435032217800000?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



mill creek culvert [ https://www.kentwa.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/1644/568?npage=2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Culvert improvement work continues on Mill Creek and 76th Ave S!

*This $14 million project is expanding creek channel capacity, adding bridges and new storm and water systems to prevent flooding.  [ https://www.kentwa.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/1644/568?npage=2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

The construction detour is in place through October.





curbs

 

Pavement preservation work has been underway in the downtown area with new sidewalk and curb ramp improvements.





ada [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/ADA?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

We're updating our ADA Transition Plan for facilities in the public right-of-way and we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts at *Engage.KentWA.gov/ADA* [ https://l.facebook.com/l.php?__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT0gG4GfDQLtNgzvQOQLmNHvy_wIdcaXPU44ZRgMNvQoV4TUiUH4t9ab7E2xBM7sQgAW3LnlScefCi6urcPl9f1eXnl0aS5P5MY4w1_FxUswORxcyE-j3SPSNzh_LE9ZHgBjKtRH8BXycoPQU40IuAaxOqKr_mUAobaTui12wLGE3jI9869_SXcsFy-ira5qeLGOr0kxC05WInp6OmzTeEK8hQ&h=AT1M-khtEbnajfUg84w_S5Omv3gT2g-M6DDmURuIC7ls1Di9DYC6PHNOsS2HO9WcsU07haNJ7QWauxrqQ4PROw5v2D7iNimbr9N_3Ns7aIM3zZCD73CpiZnQXarF1P_zol2P9lMwXSfrUA&u=https%3A%2F%2FEngage.KentWA.gov%2FADA%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR6vWAgQE6uLbdlAEhsGRZ60185Jtbe1ACAe7P4eqILSdMkt9NTQ2mN-2WvtXA_aem_vKIpHIqN7dlc_LlPVBEIXg%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Our goal is to improve accessibility around the city to enable all people to get around safely and easily.





pse small biz [ https://www.pse.com/en/pages/pse-events/Coming-soon-to-small-businesses-in-Kent?short_url=smallbizkent&utm_campaign=smb-aware&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

 

 

Puget Sound Energy will be in Kent offering small businesses free energy-efficiency assessments and easy upgrades April 22 - 24.

More Information: *pse.com/smallbizkent [ https://www.pse.com/en/pages/pse-events/Coming-soon-to-small-businesses-in-Kent?short_url=smallbizkent&utm_campaign=smb-aware&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

If you have questions, email: smallbusiness@pse.com





bike rodeo

Our annual Bike Rodeo event is a fun, interactive, non-competitive skills course designed for kids to improve their bike handling and traffic safety skills. 

Kids will learn about stop signs, crosswalks, approaching corners as well as being considerate around other bikers and pedestrians. 

The program will include helmet fittings, helmet giveaways, a bicycle skills course and bike safety checks. 

If you would like to volunteer, please email KentBikeRodeo@gmail.com.

??Saturday May 17 
⏰10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
??Kent YMCA 



Arbor Day

arbor helpers

Thanks to Councilmember Michaud and everyone who came out last weekend for our Arbor Day event!

Our ceremonial Arbor Day tree, Archie, is in his new home at Three Friends Fishing Hole. Archie is planted right next to the Green River Trail, just past our park shelter - each time you visit, check out his growth!



Apply for Boards and Commissions

KBAB [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Our Bicycle Advisory Board is accepting applications for new members. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

Members advise the council, mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that affect cycling conditions in Kent!





parks [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Do you want to get more involved with our Parks department? *Apply to serve on our Kent Parks & Recreation Commission!  [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*Commissioners work directly with the Kent Parks Department to provide input on strategic planning efforts that influence our parks system.





DEI board [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Applications are now being accepted for the city's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Board!

The goal of the board is to increase engagement, integration, and access to city services for all cultural communities in Kent.

You can learn about the city's work in these areas and the Equity Strategic Plan at *KentWA.gov/Race-Equity* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/race-equity?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* and* *apply to be on the board here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*







Kent Parks and Recreation





park shelter [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/Rentals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Park Shelter Rentals are now open for the 2025 season! Park Shelters are available to reserve from May 1 - September 30. The shelter at West Fenwick Park is available to reserve for groups to 25!

*Learn more about all of the available rentals and how you can now check shelter availability online. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/rentals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

As a reminder, all reservations must be completed in person at the Kent Commons Community Center. Call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100 if you have any questions.




green kent man

Registration is open for 2025 Green Kent events!

We look forward to another season of restoring and conserving our parks and natural spaces with the support of our community.

*Join us at Clark Lake Park on April 19 for Earth Day! Sign up as a volunteer today! MyKentParks.com/GreenKent [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/volunteering/outdoor-conservation-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*




corn days run [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/kent-cornucopia-days-5k?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Registration for the 2025 Kent Cornucopia Days 5k opens April 16!*

This year's race will be held Saturday, July 12.

Race will start and end at Three Friends Fishing Hole.

*Sign up to join us out on the course and have some fun with family and friends!*Shirt order deadline is June 13. Don’t miss out! * [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/kent-cornucopia-days-5k?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] *

Participants age 60 and over run for FREE courtesy of Long Painting (shirt not included)!






RASKC

Get your furry friends licensed with *Regional Animal Services of King County [ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/regional-animal-services.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* to help get them back to you if they're ever lost! 

Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.





kent works app [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/public-works?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting *non-emergency issues* to the city. You can request a service, report a problem and find information about the City of Kent all from your mobile device in just a few taps!





cookie hooky [ https://www.accessoshowarecenter.com/events/2025/cookie-hooky?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Cookie Hooky* [ https://www.accessoshowarecenter.com/events/2025/cookie-hooky?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] is the sweetest way to shake up your workday, and is hosted at accesso ShoWare Center May 8th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This fun-filled fundraiser is all about raising money for the Community Events Fund which will support local non-profits by providing the opportunity for kids and families to enjoy events in the greater Kent area.







kentnow [ https://open.spotify.com/show/36b7AAD35koKHGn8d4FTIm?si=3adff7653f4641f1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Josh, Tracy and Kyle are back for a brand new episode of KentNow! 

The team talked with Maria Tizoc, Race and Equity Coordinator, and Erik Preston, Traffic Engineer and staff liaison for the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board about how you can get involved. 

Listen now on:
?? Apple Podcasts *apple.co/3J2UMkd [ https://t.co/kiMUAwAMdU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Spotify *spoti.fi/3GNCeli [ https://t.co/MccBJhOIlp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Amazon Music *amzn.to/3jjaOvU [ https://amzn.to/3jjaOvU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



parks guide [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/spotlight-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

In case you missed it, registration is now open for all Spring and Summer programs.

From day camps and FREE summer concerts to youth sports and programs for adults age 50 and older, there is truly something for everyone. Browse a digital copy of the new guide or register for a program online at *MyKentParks.com/Register* [ http://mykentparks.com/register?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]






Translations A/文





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City of Kent, Washington

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