Park Lane Might Go Car-Free This Summer

KIRKLAND, WA — The City Council will consider a proposal on Tuesday to make Park Lane car-free on Sundays this summer. The proposal comes after a majority of local businesses said they would favor one car-free day per week.

The two-block festival street (also called a "woonerf") has been lauded for its pedestrian-friendly design, free of curbs and with plenty of space for strolling. The street does have about 30 parking spots, but new parking options that have opened downtown recently can make up for those lost spots, according to city officials.

The city surveyed 69 businesses along Park Lane in March. Fifty-four said they favored the car-free day, four opposed it, according to city staff. Another 11 either had no opinion or were "lukewarm."

If the Council approves the pilot program, the car-free days would begin on either May 26 or June 21 and could last until Sept. 22. The closure would span 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Main Street would remain open as a north-south route through the area.

The Council will take up the proposal at the April 16 meeting at 7:30 p.m.