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Council hears broad park-code update; debate centers on e-bike restrictions, ranger authority and exclusion process
Summary
Parks staff proposed sweeping updates to city park rules — including smoking restrictions, lifeguard interference prohibitions, new motor-vehicle/e-bike language, civil-infraction authority for rangers and a parks-exclusion process. Councilors debated whether to ban motorized e-bike assist in parks, training for rangers, and how exclusions would be applied.
Parks staff presented an update to Kirkland Municipal Code Chapter 11.80 on June 2 that would add new rules and enforcement tools for parks, from prohibiting smoking to clarifying motor-vehicle and e-bike use, and proposing an exclusion process for repeat offenders.
Juliana De Cruz, senior management analyst, said the 11.80 update is intended to address increased park use and user conflicts since the code was last revised in 2011. ‘‘We are facing increasing challenges with problem behavior in the parks, and the parks staff have very limited ability to enforce code,’’ De Cruz said. The proposed changes include designating park rangers as enforcement officers (standing drawn from state statute) so they can issue civil infractions; separating misdemeanors that would still require police; and creating an administrative parks-exclusion process for repeat violators (first offense up to seven days; second offense up to 90 days within one year; third offense up to one year).
Council discussion focused heavily on e-bike language, enforcement thresholds and training. Staff proposed that e-bikes be permitted on park trails only under ‘‘manual power’’ (pedal-assist disabled). Council member Pascoe asked whether speed — not power — should be the determining factor and raised enforceability concerns: ‘‘How would you even enforce it?’’ he asked. Parks staff and the police chief said safety, damage to park surfaces and problematic behavior (including burnouts and theft) have motivated the stricter wording; staff agreed to return with alternative language options that could focus on speed, dismount zones or restricted device types rather than a blanket motor-assist prohibition.
Parks staff also outlined a graduated approach to compliance: education and signage first, then civil infractions by rangers, then exclusions and, if necessary, police trespass or criminal enforcement for serious violations (weapons, assault, etc.). Chief of Police Saint Jean said the exclusion tool complements existing options such as trespass notices and that police and parks staff coordinate on escalations.
The presentation did not include a final vote; staff asked for council feedback and will return with revised language and implementation details, including training and signage plans.
Key clarifications requested by councilors included distinguishing e-bikes from e-motorcycles, defining ‘‘paths’’ versus ‘‘trails/sidewalks,’’ specifying where dismounts should be required (high-traffic docks or boardwalks), and more detail on ranger training and capacity to issue infractions.
