Spinney Homestead Park Rainwater Management Project

[Karen Story]

The city sent the following letter to residents within 250 feet of Spinney Homestead Park: From February 8th to 16th, a contractor for the City of Kirkland will be digging at Spinney Homestead Park to study soil and groundwater conditions beneath the park. All work will be conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No digging will take place on weekends. Why is this digging necessary? The City recently conducted drilling in Spinney Homestead Park to explore if the below-ground conditions will allow water from the surface to infiltrate (soak into the soil). The results of the exploration were favorable, but additional information is needed to help determine the size, depth, and location of potential underground rainwater management facilities. Why is this project necessary? Much of the area surrounding Spinney Homestead Park was developed before we knew of the need for rainwater runoff management. Rainwater runoff from 53 acres surrounding Spinney Homestead Park flows directly to Forbes Creek. Rainwater runoff carries pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, soaps, and vehicle fluids to the nearest creek or lake, and can cause flooding and erosion downstream. Learn more at kirklandwa.gov/stormwater. What are the potential projects? This rainwater management project may include an underground storage or infiltration vault that collects rainwater runoff from the surrounding neighborhood and allows it to filter naturally into the ground. The potential rainwater management facility will be underground and will not affect community members’ access to or use of the park. You can stay informed about this project by visiting kirklandwa.gov/rainwaterprojects. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please contact Robert O’Brien, Senior Surface Water Engineer, at (425) 587-3840 or rob...@kirklandwa.gov. COVID-19 pandemic safety precautions will be taken, such as social distancing and sanitation practices. No on-site interaction with residents will be required.