City of Kenmore passes first bond measure in city history

Nearly 20 million in safety and trail improvements now approved for bicyclists and walkers, along with improvements to waterfront.

The passage of Kenmore’s bond measure Proposition 1 Walkways and Waterways Improvements marks the first city bond measure ever on the ballot in the City of Kenmore, which was incorporated in 1998.

Proposition 1 Walkways and Waterways Improvements is a pedestrian and bicycle safety and waterfront park improvement bond measure that required 60 percent voter approval. As of the latest count, King County Elections results showed Proposition 1 passing with 64 percent voter approval.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to improve safety on a major roadway and also enhance waterfront access and the natural beauty at three of Kenmore’s parks, which is what residents have advocated for since incorporation,” said Mayor David Baker.

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 reflect 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 following projects to be constructed over the next seven years:

1. 68th Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
1. 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
1. New sidewalk and buffered bike lanes on Juanita Drive from the Kirkland city limit north to 170th Street / Simonds Road.
2. Other improvements include adding or extending selected left turn lanes, and improving the curve at NE 155th Place.
3. Log Boom Park Waterfront Access and Viewing
1. 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.
4. Rhododendron Park Waterfront and Natural Open Space Access
1. 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.
2. The project will also include improving the access drive and parking near the river, as well as environmental enhancements to the shoreline and wetlands. 
5. Squire’s Landing Park Waterfront and Natural Open Space Access
1. Eleven acres of new park development to enhance public access to the Sammamish River.
2. 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.
3. The project will also add new docks, parking and a restroom. 

Additional information on Walkways and Waterways here