Kids are back at school and nights are getting cool. Before those sunny days fade into dim memories replaced by drizzle, I wanted to share a true story.
My young son and I attended the first Kirkland “Summerfest” this year. After enjoying the free bouncy house and checking out all the neat big trucks, we took a rest at . While my son waded in the lake, I relaxed on the concrete steps nearby.
Suddenly, a woman on shore shouted at a young girl who was standing in the lake, “Grab that boy, grab that boy!”
The girl stood frozen, as a younger boy floundered in the water. Time stood still as the boy’s flailed his arms and his head slipped below the surface.
Thankfully, a man quickly ran into the water, shoes and all. He grabbed the boy, who, once pulled from the water, seemed fine. I regretted that I hadn’t acted more quickly, but was relieved that the boy was okay.
The episode reminded me of one of many reasons I support the parks levy, Proposition #2, on the general election ballot Nov. 6. The levy will provide funding for lifeguards at , and beaches. Not Marina Park beach, but at least the three most popular swimming beaches in Kirkland.
Lifeguard funding was slated to be cut in a city budget a year or two ago. Together with fellow members of the Park Board, I lobbied hard for lifeguard funding, which was temporarily restored.
But city budgets are tighter than ever. There isn’t money for ongoing parks maintenance, lifeguards, or needed capital projects. Yes, family budgets are tight nowadays, too. But supporting the park levy is a smart investment that will pay off in protecting home values as well as saving lives, improving our quality of life, and providing needed park and recreation amenities. Besides, I bet you spend more on coffee drinks than you will for the levy.
Ballots will be mailed in mid-October! Vote yes for parks.
For details, see http://yeskirklandparks.com/
and http://www.kirklandwa.gov/Assets/!Global+PDFs/Prop+2+Parks+Levy+Fact+Sheet.pdf
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Barbara Ramey is a Juanita resident and a member of the Kirkland Park Board. The views expressed here are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Park Board.
