24-Hour Lane Closures on Coal Creek Parkway

One lane of Coal Creek Parkway in each direction between Forest Drive and SE 60th Street is now closed 24 hours a day due to a Bellevue improvement project. Commuters should take alternate routes. View a map of alternate routes here. The lane reduction will be in place until November when the first phase of construction will conclude. During construction, Bellevue will remove a deteriorating culvert and replace it with a bridge, improving public safety, providing a new pedestrian walkway and improving fish passage in the stream below. For more information and to receive email alerts when new information is available, visit www.bellevuewa.gov/coalcreekbridge.htm.

Metro Transit Stop Relocated

Metro Transit Service Cuts Could Affect Newcastle

Potential Metro Transit service cuts could affect or eliminate the 114 bus route used in Newcastle. King County is currently considering system cuts as a way to address Metro's $75 million annual shortfall. Learn more about what's at risk. Without new funding, Metro will have to cut service by up to 600,000 hours, or 17 percent, beginning in fall of next year. Provide input on the proposed reductions by submitting comments online.

Summer Concerts in the Park Schedule Announced

Newcastle has announced the lineup for the 2013 Summer Concerts in the Park series at Lake Boren Park. This year, the scenic venue will buzz with the sounds of soul, funk, blues, pop, rock, dance and high energy Celtic violin music. The local community will meet up to experience:

Performances will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. Crowds often begin gathering as early as 6 p.m. for picnicking and food vendors will be on site. The free outdoor concerts are provided for families every summer. This year's event is made possible by the City of Newcastle, the Golf Club at Newcastle and the Coal Creek YMCA.

Join Newcastle in Creating Pesticide-Free Places

Newcastle's parks have been recognized as pesticide-free or limited use areas, and you too can be appreciated for your efforts to care for your yard without chemicals. King County and Washington Toxics Coalition are offering Pesticide Free Zone ladybug signs free to families gardening without pesticides. Gardening without pesticides keeps the environment clean for people and wildlife. Kids are most at risk from contact with toxic chemicals as they crawl, roll and play on lawns, and chemical exposures can have lifelong impacts. Take a pledge and order your sign at the Washington Toxics Pesticide Free Zone page. For help with pesticide alternatives, call the Garden Hotline at 206-633-0224, or visit www.GrowSmartGrowSafe.org. Find EnviroStars businesses that commit to practices that minimize pesticide use at http://envirostars.org/.

Don't Drip and Drive. Fix That Leak!

If your car is leaking oil, it not only means your engine may be at risk, it also means that leaking oil is going directly to the Puget Sound. Fixing vehicle leaks helps you care for your car and is good for our environment. Cars and trucks release an estimated 7 million quarts of motor oil into the Puget Sound basin every year. Take your vehcile to a participating Automotive Service Association (ASA) member repair shop this spring and get 10 percent off on any leak repair (up to $50). Hurry, this offer expires June 30, 2013! Visit http://www.fixcarleaks.org/ to find participating ASA shops near you.

Registration Open for Summer Sports Camps

Registration is now open for the summer Skyhawks Sports Academy sports camps at Lake Boren Park and other Newcastle locations. Skyhawks programs will be offered in tennis, basketball, multi-sport (soccer, baseball and flag football) and soccer for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5-10 can take cheerleading, and those ages 5-11 can learn beginning golf. Kids ages 4-7 can learn fundamentals at a "mini-hawk" multi-sport camp. Learn more and register at www.skyhawks.com, or download and mail in a completed registration form.

Lake Boren Park Shelter Reservations

Park shelters may be reserved at Lake Boren Park for your event. Two covered shelters, each with five picnic tables, can be reserved from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. or for the entire day. The rate for Newcastle residents is $60 per time frame, and the non-resident rate is $120 per time frame. Tentative shelter reservations can be made by calling 425-649-4444, by sending an email to aletap@ci.newcastle.wa.us, or in person at City Hall. Reservations are available up to 90 days prior to the event date. Payment and a completed application form are due within two weeks of making a tentative reservation. No reservations will be accepted unless completed two full business days prior to the event. Please refer to the reservation form for additional information and rules regarding shelter use. Rentals are for shelters only - the rest of the park is open for all citizens to enjoy.

Leash Reminder

Final City Budget for 2013 Complete

A final City of Newcastle 2013 Budget document is available for viewing. The budget, adopted by the City Council December 4, 2012, is balanced and includes no new taxes or increases in property tax. Even without an increase in revenue, residents can look forward to sidewalk and road improvements as well as increased public safety.

Stay informed about City events, services and other local happenings by signing up for Newcastle's email newsletter. You can also read the newsletter by clicking here.

Lost and Found

Missing something such as a cell phone or Ipod? Many items are turned in to the City Clerk's office. Be prepared to describe the item.

Newcastle's Sales Tax Code is 1736

The City now accepts credit cards for payment.