eNews: Playgrounds Open, Furloughs Ending, Halloween, and more!

Playgrounds Now Open

As we see more masks and greater attention to social distancing, all City of Bothell playgrounds are now open. Please make sure kids play safe and recreate responsibly. Maintain 6 feet of space from other children, wear a face covering or mask, use hand sanitizer or wash hands frequently, stay home if sick, and avoid gatherings of five or more on the playground.

City Furloughs Ending

Several months ago, the City took several actions to address an estimated deficit resulting from COVID, including staff furloughs. We are now able to lift furloughs, and are once again providing all city services Monday – Friday, excluding holidays.

Trick-or-Treat at 6 feet?

Halloween is going to be different this year! Even though most activities are outdoor and mask wearing is part of the holiday, Public Health wants you to know there are still some COVID risks. Maybe this year we forego traditional trick-or-treating or crowded pumpkin patches. Check out tips to prevent illness, help our community stay on track for reopening, and still retain some of the spooky and sweet flavor of Halloween.

The Great ShakeOut

Washington has the second highest risk for earthquakes in the United States. Earthquakes can strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Be prepared and join thousands of others on Thursday, October 15 at 10:15 a.m. for the world’s largest earthquake drill!

Fire Prevention Month

We have some exciting activities planned this month for the whole family! Show Sparky the Fire Dog Your Meeting Place, and complete the Fire Safety Family Scavenger Hunt. Families who participate in these activities will be awarded a prize, and will have the chance to win a fire engine drive by! Join Bothell Fire for Fire Prevention Month and get started today!

Cooking Safety

Did you know cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires? With so many of us spending more time at home, and with the holidays fast approaching, there is an even greater risk for cooking fires to occur. Stay safe with a few very important reminders form Bothell Fire.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Attention all Bothell residents! We know many of you have been financially impacted due to COVID-19. The Northshore Senior Center is distributing one time emergency grant funds and you may be eligible. You do not need to be a senior, US citizen or have citizenship to apply. Call the Senior Center at 425-286-1072 for assistance. Application deadline extended to November 15th, 2020 or until funds have been depleted.

Keep Storm Drains Clear

Leaves are dropping from Bothell’s beautiful trees! If you have leaves piling up in parts of your yard or sidewalk, you may be tempted to blow them into the street. But water can’t move freely through storm drain grates that are blocked by leaves, so blowing or sweeping your leaves into the street creates a flooding risk for you and your neighbors. Help us prevent flooding!

Last Wastemobile of 2020

The last event in 2020 will be October 16 – 18 at McMurtrey’s Red-Wood Christmas Tree Farm (13925 Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE, Redmond). Dispose of household hazardous waste like propane tanks, pesticides and fertilizers, and batteries between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.