Motorists should plan for delays on Coal Creek Parkway starting in late April. The roadway will be reduced to one lane in each direction in an area just south of Forest Drive and just north of SE 60th Street. Closures are necessary for construction of a City of Bellevue project to replace a deteriorating culvert with a new bridge. The work will improve public safety, provide a new pedestrian walkway and improve fish passage. For more information and to receive e-mail alerts with new information, go to www.bellevuewa.gov/coalcreekbridge.htm

A project to obtain National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat Certifcation for the entire Newcastle community kicks off at this year's Earth Day at Lake Boren Park. At the event April 20th, stop by the National Wildlife Federation booth to register your yard as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, which will help achieve the community-wide certification. A habitat garden can be created anywhere, even on an apartment balcony. By meeting the organization's certification criteria, you will provide food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their offspring. For more information on making a garden for wildlife, go to the National Wildlife Federation's website.

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 one full business day 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.

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.