Global Celebrations This Week in Shoreline, June 5 – 12

By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

 
Global Celebrations This Week in Shoreline, June 5 – 12
One City, Many Nations: A Welcoming Celebration for All
 
Welcome to your weekly review of Global Celebrations in Shoreline. Each week we’re highlighting events, games, and places to gather related to the FIFA World Cup 26™. 
 
Hosting an event in Shoreline? Email DestinationShoreline@gmail.com to be included.
 
For the latest information visit: www.destinationshoreline.com/global-celebration
 
Global Celebration Events This Week in Shoreline:

Shoreline International Dance Party
Saturday, June 6 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Spartan Recreation Center
Experience the rhythms of cultures around the world in lively performances and interactive dance.

Upcoming Games:
It All Starts on Thursday!
 
Thursday, June 11
Mexico v South Africa - Mexico City Stadium - 12 PM PT
Korea Republic v Czechia – Estadio Guadalajara - 7 PM PT
 
Friday, June 12
Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina - Toronto Stadium - 12 PM PT
USA v Paraguay - Los Angeles Stadium - 6 PM PT
 
Community Gathering Places:
(Interactive Map)
·        Aurora Borealis
·        Blackbird Cafe & Bar
·        Cabin Tavern
·        Darrell's Tavern
·        Jersey's Great Food & Spirits
·        Las Brasas Del Volcan
·        North City Lounge
·        Sodam Chicken Shoreline
·        Touchdown's Sports Bar & Grill
·        Vault 177
·        Woody's Bar
·        Yum Yum Thai Restaurant
 

Register a Team for the Shoreline Unity Youth Soccer Jamboree on July 12th

Join us for a dynamic 5v5 soccer jamboree celebrating the spirit of the game and the unity it brings. Whether you're playing to win or just love the game, this event is about community, competition, and connection. This free community event is open to boys and girls from under 9 to under 12.
 
Brought to you in partnership with Destination Shoreline, the City of Shoreline and the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Lake City Collective, and Seattle Youth Soccer Association. 

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Summer Meals for Kids at Echo Lake Elementary starting July 7, 2026

The Shoreline School District announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program for children. Meals are available at no charge to children 18 years of age and younger.

Summer Meal Site Finder

Families can text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 509-509 to instantly find nearby summer meal sites. The service is fast, free, and available in English and Spanish.

Meals will be served at the following location:

Fine print and legalese

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. 

The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Town & Country Market debuts a limited edition Pride tote bag

Town & Country (T&C) Markets debuted a limited-edition Pride tote bag designed by Seattle artist Esmeralda Vasquez, marking the first artist tote bag release with future totes coming this summer to continue celebrating community, creativity, and the neighborhoods surrounding its markets across the Puget Sound.

Artist Esmeralda Vasquez holding
the tote bag with her design

Available for a limited time only, the “Love for All” tote bag features a pair of heart-winged lovebirds carrying lavender in their beaks. 

The artwork draws from lavender's association with love and devotion, the abundance of lavender throughout the Pacific Northwest, and the flower's historical ties to queer empowerment and identity.

The artist, Esmeralda Vasquez, is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and illustrator based in Seattle. 

Her work is shaped by her experience as a Queer/Latinx artist from Washington's Yakima Valley and often explores symbolism, color theory, identity, and intentional storytelling.

"We're excited to launch this new artist tote collection with a design that celebrates inclusion, creativity, and community," said Ryan Ritter, CEO of Town & Country Markets.

"Partnering with local artists allows us to continue to create meaningful pieces that reflect the people and neighborhoods connected to our markets while supporting organizations doing important work locally."

The new Pride Tote will support Lambert House, the Capitol Hill-based nonprofit and community center supporting LGBTQ+ youth, by donating $1 for every tote produced.

 
The launch showcases the company’s ongoing dedication to collaborating with local artists following its in-store murals and recently launched mugs. It also offers a first look at Town & Country Markets' broader artist tote collection arriving this July. 

The upcoming July limited-edition tote bag release will feature the same market-specific designs showcased on its popular MiiR mug artist collection, inspired by each market location - Bainbridge, Ballard, Lakemont, Mill Creek, Poulsbo, and Shoreline.

 
Together, the tote collection celebrates people, and the distinct character, landmarks, history, and natural beauty of the communities surrounding each Town & Country Market location.

The Pride tote is available now in all Town & Country Market stores while supplies last, priced at $9.99. Images can be found HERE.

To learn more, visit townandcountrymarkets.com or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook to join in the delight of eating.

Town & Country Shoreline 15505 Westminster Way, Shoreline 98133

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Work party at Blue Heron Park June 13, 2026

The next work party at Blue Heron Park is scheduled for Saturday June 13, 2026 from 9am to noon.

Work parties are held the Second Saturdays of each month
9:00am to 12:00pm

Located at: 17035 Brookside Blvd NE

Join our latest collaborative restoration project to improve and maintain this stream side park near the Town Center. The next work party will include continued removal of invasive plants, pruning of existing natives, and preparing the main bed for future planting. 

Please join us to help restore this small but important park in our community. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Questions? contact Linda Holman.

Please bring gloves and hand tools.

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Hillwood Neighborhood Public Art Walk Saturday June 6, 2026

Saturday, June 6, 2026 – 10:00am

Hillwood Neighborhood Public Art Walk, Free
Meetup Location: Hillwood Park, parking lot. 19001 3rd Ave NW.
Walk is: 2.1 miles / 2 hours
Walk Difficulty Rating: Easy
Walk Leader: Hillwood Neighborhood Association

Walk Description: During this 2 mile walk you will view 14 installed artworks in Hillwood and learn how these were designed, fabricated and installed. 

Most of the walk will be on level streets and sidewalks, 2 gravel paths, and one wood-chipped path. No steep hills.

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All Over the Map: Stories Behind the Names of Washington Places and Things - Feliks Banel at Shoreline Library June 16, 2026

All Over the Map: Stories Behind the Names of Washington Places and Things

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 6-7:30pm
Presented by Feliks Banel

Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155
For adults.
Cost: FREE
Registration not required.

How did your town get its name? What about your neighborhood school? Or that locally made candy bar? 

In this talk, get the big picture of how names were given to geographic places in Washington, as well as to iconic local brands, and how those names can reflect deeper, and sometimes challenging, meanings. 

Explore how names often evolve to better connect us to place and to our neighbors.

Feliks Banel

Feliks Banel has worked in history and media since the 1990s. 

He served as deputy director of MOHAI; and has produced Edward R. Murrow Award-winning radio and podcasts and Emmy-winning TV about local history.

In partnership with Humanities Washington and sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.

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Shoreline Fire Department's Station 51 Open House Pancake Breakfast & Safety Fair

Shoreline Fire Department Station 51 Open House

7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA
Saturday, June 13, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Join the Shoreline Fire Department at the Station 51 Open House Pancake Breakfast & Safety Fair.

Challenge Course for Kids
Tour the Fire Engine, Aid Car and Rescue Truck
Live Firefighter Demonstration
Teddy Bear Clinic (Bring Your Own Bear)
Hands Only CPR

Free pancake breakfast between 9:00am to 11:00am.

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Tickets now available for BrickCon 2026 September 12-13 in Bellevue

Longest running LEGO® fan convention in the world hits its 25th year!

It’s time to level up! BrickCon, the longest-running LEGO® fan convention in the world, is celebrating its 25th year! Once again hundreds of adult LEGO® builders will show off amazing original LEGO® creations. Last year, BrickCon had over 600 builders and over 1000 exhibits.

Unlike other events, BrickCon is not a travelling show. The annual convention is a locally-produced yearly event run completely by volunteers. Proceeds from the show go toward supporting the BrickCon Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting science, technology, engineering, art, and math skills in children. In commemoration of reaching our 25th year, this year’s theme is “Level 25 Unlocked.”

We are excited to welcome everyone to the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue Sept. 12-13. Besides the LEGO® models, the Bot Box is back for LEGO® robot battles all day. The play area and mosaic wall will be open for anyone to build something fun. Vendors will have sets, minifigures, or other items for sale.

“This is a very special commemorative year for us. No other LEGO® convention in the world has reached this milestone,” said Steve Walker, executive director of BrickCon.

“We welcome families and LEGO® fans to help us celebrate. We’ll also have some special surprise guests in attendance, so get your tickets now and stay tuned for more announcements!”

Tickets are available at www.brickcon.org. There are staggered entry times Saturday, 9am to 4pm and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Entry blocks before 3pm are $19, the last entry block starts at 3pm and is $17. Get tickets now before prices increase closer to the event. The first 1000 tickets sold will receive a special prize!

For more information about BrickCon, visit www.brickcon.org.

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Summer Classes at Shoreline College through Continuing Education now open for registration

Explore learning opportunities all summer long! Shoreline CE offers an array of creative, flexible, affordable non-credit classes, and youth camps for all ages. Classes start July 1, 2026 and are planned through the end of August. Register today to save your seat!

Arts

• Drawing Plein Air, in nature
• Drawing & painting animal portraits
• Introduction to Mosaics
• Garden Stepping Stone
• Pet Portrait Framed Art
• Slate Stone Framed Art
• Weave washcloths (2+) on a Table Top Loom
• Woodland Park Players Musical "Newsies"

Music

• Cascade Music Piano for Adults
• Jazz Ensemble
• Jazz Improv workshop
• Private Music Lessons (Piano, Voice, Percussion, Brass and more)

Fitness & Health

• Mindful Connection To Nature for Families
• Weight Training & Cardio Fitness

Career & Business

• Discover Voice-over
• Excel (scheduled in June)
• Tesla Start Automotive Training (Starts in June)
• Online flexible training with ed2go

Youth Camps

• Basketball: All Skills or Advanced
• Black Rocket Camps 3d Video Game design
• Minecraft Designers
• Minecraft Movie Makers
• Minecraft Redstone Engineers
• UTube Content Creators
• Young Coders
• Creative Kaleidoscope: Music & Arts
• Creating & Coding Games w/JavaScript
• Filmmaking: Write, Direct & Film A Short Movie
• Imagine & Create Studio Arts
• Soccer Camps for ages 7-12
• Steel Toe Teens
• Volleyball: Fundamentals or Advanced
• Woodland Park Players "Newsies" Musical

Follow us on social media the Continuing Education webpage for more details:

Continuing Education Official: Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Register here:

Continuing Education Official: Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

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Jobs: City of Shoreline Extra Help - Engineering Support (Surface Water Technical Assistant)

City of Shoreline

Extra Help - Engineering Support (Surface Water Technical Assistant)
Job type: Extra Help Variable Hours
Opening date: 05/28/2026
Closing date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary: $24.51 - $28.71 Hourly

This position supports the Surface Water Utility by performing field work and other customer coordination for the Soak It Up Rain Garden and Native Landscaping Rebate program, conducting surface water education and outreach activities, participating in stormwater pollution source control programs, assisting with water quality sampling, supporting inspections of storm drainage facilities, and asset management support for Shoreline's stormwater system.

Please apply at: Extra Help - Engineering Support (Surface Water Technical Assistant)

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Jobs: City of Shoreline Engineer II - Development Review

City of Shoreline

Engineer II - Development Review
Job type: Full-Time Regular
Salary: $126,365.00 - $153,743.00 Annually
Opening date: 05/28/2026
Closing date: 6/14/2026 11:59

The City of Shoreline is going through an exciting period of development and increased density to support the City's vision for growth.

The APWA accredited Public Works Department is seeking an energetic and experienced person to be part of our team and serve the needs of the community. We are looking for an experienced engineer with strong customer service focus in supporting civil engineering review of development projects with the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of customers including engineers, contractors, inspectors and the public. The position requires good understanding of engineering codes, standards and best management practices specifically related to stormwater, wastewater, and roadway design.

SCOPE OF WORK

To provide responsible professional engineering assistance in the review of private development projects, in coordination with the Planning and Community Services and Public Works departments; to develop and update codes, standards, practices related to private development of public infrastructure; to serve as the project manager for various permits and projects as assigned; and to perform various office and field duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an advanced journey level classification. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Engineer I – Development Review by the license achieved, the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties including the most complex projects. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area or responsibility and to work independently.

Please apply at: Engineer II - Development Review

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Jobs: City of Shoreline Facilities Maintenance Worker II

City of Shoreline

Facilities Maintenance Worker II
Job type: Full-Time Regular
Opening date: 05/27/2026
Closing date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary: $37.45 - $45.57 Hourly

This job is represented by Local Union No.763. First consideration will be given to internal Local 763 members who express written interest in this job to Human Resources during the first 5-day period of this posting notice.

The City recently opened a new maintenance facility and is completing a multi-year parks capital improvement project adding new infrastructure city wide. Major features include a vehicle wash station, salt brine generating equipment, new public restrooms, boardwalks, spray parks, and irrigation systems. This work directly impacts the quality of life for coworkers and Shoreline residents on a daily basis. The successful candidate will be able to work in a team that is able to shift with changing priorities and work flexible hours to accommodate varying needs.

To perform a variety of complex and technical construction, maintenance, remodeling and/or repair of equipment and facilities and HVAC systems; to operate a variety of maintenance vehicles, equipment and tools; and to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Please apply at: Facilities Maintenance Worker II

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Jobs: WSDOT IT Systems Administration (Senior Specialist)

WSDOT

IT Systems Administration (Senior Specialist)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$97,398 – $130,989 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Specialist IT System Administrator to join our team in Shoreline, WA. In this critical role, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for administering, maintaining, securing, and modernizing the systems and networks that support the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (NWR TMC) and adjacent Tunnel Fire and Life Safety systems. As a subject matter expert, you will leverage advanced technical knowledge across multiple IT disciplines to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of mission-critical infrastructure that supports the safe and efficient operation of Washington's transportation network. You will play a key role in maintaining 24/7 operational readiness by managing servers, workstations, networking, and storage environments while driving continuous improvements aligned with WSDOT Technology Services standards, policies, and strategic objectives.

See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK

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Snapdragons can snap

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Snapdragons are a wonderful reminder of my childhood - my mother always had flowers and there was a bed of snapdragons right by the front door.

It was my joy to make the dragons snap.

I don't see a lot of snapdragons around here. Probably too many trees. It makes me sad to think of all the children who didn't know that you could make these friendly monsters open their jaws and snap them shut.

--Diane Hettrick

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June 10, 2026 deadline to apply for FEMA assistance from flooding damage

Areas near rivers experienced the most damage
Photo courtesy King County

If you experienced any damage during the December 2025 flooding, the deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 10, 2026. 

You can apply for FEMA assistance by going to www.disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA app. 

You can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans at here or calling 800-659-2955. 

Even if you are not sure you qualify for either, apply anyway. For in-person assistance, see locations and hours at King County emergency.

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Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement Project construction begins with full closure of Innis Arden Way

Completion of Phase 1 with the creation of a restored Boeing Creek
Photo by Keith McGlashan

Boeing Creek Culvert Replacement Project (Hidden Lake Phase 2) construction begins

Construction dates: June 2026 – late 2026 (approximately 6 months)

In the first phase of the Hidden Lake Dam Removal project, we removed the dam at Hidden Lake and restored Boeing Creek through the former lakebed. (See previous article)

We are now beginning the second phase of the project which will replace the existing culvert below NW Innis Arden Way. This work will help minimize flood and erosion risks in the area. It will also help remove barriers to fish passage and improve the habitat for native species in and around Boeing Creek.

This work takes place in a stream, so we are required to follow Washington State regulations on the timing of construction. These regulations limit any possible disruption to fish and their migration patterns.

This section of Innis Arden Way will be closed for six months

Full closure – NW Innis Arden Way begins June 8, 2026

This work requires a full closure of NW Innis Arden Way between NW 166th Street and the entrance to Shoreview Park. 

Detour will be in effect for six months

Please use alternate routes to travel through the area. The full closure will begin June 8 and is expected to be complete at the end of October 2026. There may be single lane, temporary closures before and after the full closure.

More information:

Project Manager: Michelle Horio, P.E.

Contact: mhorio@shorelinewa.gov, 206-801-2457

Website: shorelinewa.gov/hiddenlake

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A 'Throne' for the Aurora Village Transit Center

Throne being delivered to the AV Transit Center

Story and Photos by Pat Deagen

A new arrival appeared at the Aurora Village Transit Center. It could not be more obvious unless it were placed in the middle lane of traffic on N 200th. Throne Labs introduces a surprising new restroom. You may wonder what could be new about a public toilet?

The Throne is under the shelter and right next to the bus shop

Well, are you accustomed to hearing music and getting a welcome message upon entering? With a sink and baby changing table, it seems roomy. With touchless controls on the door, faucets and toilet. There’s a urinal so men are less likely to make a mess.

Those who are adept at cell phone tech will get in faster
 than others who may be more challenged.

The one obstacle is getting in. This is what separates the phone adept from those who are challenged by cell phones. It took me about 10 minutes to get in the first time. But now I can get in in less than 30 seconds. 

No phone? No battery? That’s a problem. The door will not open. You may ask assistance from the security detail but they may not be able to open it.

The interior is clean and bright. The transit center and facilities are well maintained now.

It’s really nice inside. It is cleaned regularly. And the user is asked to report deficiencies and rate the cleanliness. It is self contained and must be pumped out and the water refilled. I expect regular servicing.

It saddens me to see some denied entry. I hope as more use it, more can be adept at opening the door.

For most riders in distress this is an improvement, and this is day one. Time will tell.

King County Metro has taken a big step here. I am happy to see this issue of bus travelers needing to use a restroom addressed by Metro and King County. 

Kudos to King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski who heard the concerns of the neighborhood and bus riders and responded.

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Free workshop - create mandalas June 13, 2026

SilverKite Community Arts – Mixed Media: Mandalas

Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 11:30am-12:30pm

Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155

For adults.
Cost: FREE

This calming and creative workshop emphasizes self-expression while learning a basic approach to mandala making. Mandala, meaning “magic circle” in Sanskrit, is a geometric design with repeating patterns. A variety of materials of various textures and step-by step guidance are provided. Participants will leave with a completed colorful mandala.

Register here.

Update: corrected address of library

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Volunteer opportunities at the Ching this summer

Gone are those laborious blackberry work parties! This summer our Saturday work parties and gatherings have a whole new vibe...

The trees are fruiting, and thriving are the berries, shrubs and perennials in the "Apple Tree Guild", planted by Lakeside LEEP program alumni volunteers back in April. Our Nursery holding area is bursting with beautiful specimens awaiting future transplanting.

This looks to be a very hot, dry summer. Would you like to volunteer but prefer a weekday? Consider helping on Water Wednesday. Volunteers will receive orientation beforehand. You're sure to be entertained by the many hummingbirds who show up to drink water from the hose.

The pumpkin patch was such a big hit last year that we're doing it again... this time in the large central bed. On June 6 and June 13, we'll prepare and plant 150 squash and pumpkins left over from our May plant sale. There may even be a few extras for volunteers to take home.

Heard about hugelkultur beds and want to learn how to build one? Learn how at our Hands-On Hugelkultur Bed Build on Saturday, July 11, 2026 led by Maryn Wynne and Londa Jacques. With a good turnout, we should be able to complete the 15ft bed in about 3 hours!

Also in July, thanks to partial funding from a recently-awarded Environmental Mini-Grant from the CIty of Shoreline, volunteers will lay substrate and install 6 raised bed troughs to be planted with late season Asian vegetables. Later in July, our LEEP students return to fill and plant the beds as their summer environmental project.

On Saturday, October 3, we'll say goodbye to summer, and welcome the harvest season with the long-awaited Grand Opening of the garden and volunteer celebration!

Sign up for any or all of these events at Volunteer Sign up. The Garden is located at 16034 Greenwood Avenue North in Shoreline, across the street from Shoreline College.

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Shoreline to place measure on the November ballot to fund a community swimming pool

The city owns the land where it proposes to place a community pool

From the Puget Sound Business Journal

Shoreline lawmakers are pushing a measure on the November ballot that would deliver a new $100 million aquatic center, replacing a city-owned storage facility.

This is the city’s second attempt to finance an indoor pool following a failed 2019 ballot measure to create a new parks and pool bond.

“There’s a lot of disappointment that the previous bond did not pass,” Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Roberts said at Monday’s meeting. “Having a public facility is so important to the health and well-being of the community."

The City Council unanimously passed the resolution Monday night to put the measure on the ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would create a Metropolitan Park District with the same boundaries as the city of Shoreline to levy property taxes to build and maintain a new pool facility and future recreational centers.

The initial taxing rate is expected to be $0.55 per $1,000 and generate $8.8 million annually.

The approximately 48,000-square-foot indoor pool would replace the storage facility at 17828 Midvale Ave N, (close to Shoreline City Hall). The city’s previous 1970s-era pool closed in 2020 due to its age and the impact of the pandemic.

Planning for the project began in 2024. A preliminary design completed in February includes an eight-lane lap pool, a recreation pool with a lazy river feature, a hydrotherapy pool and a sauna. Additional space on the property could allow for another recreation facility, if funding becomes available, according to a staff report.

Construction costs are estimated at $61.2 million, as well as $22.2 million in “soft costs,” which include design and permitting fees.

The city owns the project site but would need to pay off $16.6 million in outstanding debt on the land.

A King County grant would provide $5 million for the project’s construction. Revenue from the new taxing district would fund the remaining $95 million.

User fees and rentals would recover 66% of the pool’s average annual operating costs, with the rest coming from property taxes, according to staff.

If voters approve the measure, construction would begin in the third quarter of 2028.

For more stories like this one, sign up for the Business Journal’s free morning and afternoon daily newsletters or download our free app.

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Lake City Partners meets their fundraising goal for maintenance at Aurora Oaks shelter

Because of the generosity of our community, the Aurora Oaks Birthday Campaign has officially concluded—and together, we raised $62,070 from 113 donations, surpassing our $50,000 goal by more than $12,000.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude.

What began as a campaign to address urgent health and safety repairs became something much bigger: a community-wide investment in the future of Aurora Oaks and the people who depend on it every day.

Your support is already making a difference.

Thanks to campaign donations, the leaking roof at Aurora Oaks has been repaired, protecting the shelter and the people inside. The campaign funds will be used to complete the remaining planned repairs, including improvements to the heating and hot water systems. 

One immediate need we will also be addressing is the failing cold storage for food items. If there are any additional funds we will address other critical building needs as they arise, helping ensure the shelter remains safe, warm, and welcoming.

To everyone who donated, shared the campaign, encouraged others to give, or helped spread the word: thank you. This achievement belongs to all of us.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sue Bennett
Interim Executive Director
Lake City Partners

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Installation of Engraved Bricks to Honor Veterans at the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza

Family and Friends gather to witness engraved brick installation for their veteran

Story by Doug Cerretti

Photos by Doug Cerretti except as noted

The Shoreline Veterans Association hosted the installation of engraved bricks to honor veterans at the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza, May 23, 2026. 

Top (L-R) Martin Agustin, US Marines; Frank Brennan, US Air Force
Bottom (L-R) Raymond Illman, US Army; Willie Jackson, US Army

Over 30 family and friends including three dogs witnessed the installation of 11 engraved bricks to honor their veteran. 

Dwight Stevens, Bob Grasmick, and Frank Moll
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The program started with a brief history of the Plaza where in 2010, veterans Bob Grasmick ran across Frank Moll at the Ridgecrest ice cream social and thought that Shoreline should do something to honor veterans.

They brought in Dwight Stevens and the three of them were the driving force (with the help of many others) that resulted in the dedication of the Plaza May 16, 2016. 

Top (L-R) Cameron Krall, US Marines; Adam Peddicord, US Army

Bottom: (L-R) Walter Scudder, US Army; W A Vanderploeg, US Army

The families were then told that they are now part owners of the Plaza and as such they should not only visit the Plaza to honor their veteran but they should take time to walk among the bricks and imagine the stores behind the names on the bricks. 

They would find out, If the Bricks Could Talk, that two months after turning 20-years-old, Dwight Stevens piloted a B-17 for the first of his 33 missions over Europe. When he finished, he was the ripe old age of 20 ½, not legally able to buy a beer in the States. 

They would also learn that Dwight’s ancestor J. Dwight Stevens served in the Union Army during the Civil War. 

If Ralph Henry Keil’s brick could talk, it would tell you that 12 minutes after WW2 started, he perished when the USS Oklahoma was struck December 7, 1941. 

You would learn from John Hosey’s brick that he was not forthcoming with his age when he enlisted in the Army in 1951. After boot camp and earning his parachute wings, he joined the 82nd Airborne. John was 16-years-old. The brick would also tell you that he became one of the most decorated helicopter pilots in Vietnam.

George Forbes with his brick

There was one brick, to be installed, that did not have to speak as WW2 veteran George Forbes was in attendance. He would tell you that he was commissioned a Junior Officer in the British Merchant Navy at age 16 in 1941 while a student at Merchant Navy College. Service on convoys in the British Merchant Navy was considered suicide and the British Admiralty needed seaman. 

Avis Schwab’s brick would tell you that in 1967 after serving two years in the Peace Corps, she volunteered to go to Vietnam at the height of the war to support our boys in a Red Cross volunteer program officially known as Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas but affectionately called Donut Dollys. 

Navy veteran and brick
mason Derek Tomlinson

These are just a few bricks with stories to tell If the Bricks Could Talk. Afterwards Navy veteran and brick mason Derek Thomlinson ( SJ Construction and Masonry, Sulton, WA) proceeded to install the bricks for the assembled family and friends.

The Shoreline Veterans Association is a standing committee of The Starr Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion in Shoreline, WA. 

The Plaza is located at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. 

Engraved bricks to honor Veterans past, present and future at Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza can be obtained for a $100 donation. A single brick can be engraved with three lines of text with up to 16 characters in each line. 

Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza
located at Shoreline City Hall.

You can choose to have your brick installed at the Plaza or delivered to you to display at home or give as gift. 

Bricks can be acquired online from The American Legion Post 227’s webpage or you can print out the order form, fill it out and mail it (Shoreline Veterans Association, PO Box 55193, Shoreline, WA 98155 with your check or credit card number. The donations are tax deductible. 

Questions: email svaadmin@shorelinepost227.com or call 206-546-9603 and leave a message.

Links to previous articles about the Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza

The Origin of Heroes Café Shoreline

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Birds small and large

Photo by Jan Hansen

My hummingbirds left one summer for a fresh meal of flowers and never came back. I finally took down the feeder.

They have been replaced by a dozen other birds, including enormous Flickers, Steller Jays, and the occasional crow.

Photo by Jan Hansen

Sometimes I have a woodpecker like this one but mostly I have the smaller Downy Woodpeckers.

What I don't have is the ability to get good photos of these visitors, so I'm happy to rely on contributors like Jan Hansen.

--Diane Hettrick

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