Parks & Recreation Commission

About

In January 2019, the City Council created the Parks & Recreation Commission to help serve in a policy advisory capacity to the City Council.

The purpose of the Parks & Recreation Commission is to serve in a policy advisory capacity to the City Council and any other board or commission of the city on matters involving the Mercer Island parks system, recreation programming, and the Mercer Island Community & Event Center. As an advisory board, the Parks & Recreation Commission shall not direct significant staff work outside the work plan, nor is the commission authorized to commit any funds of the City without approval from the City Council. Pursuant to MICC 3.53.020, the duties and responsibilities of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall be to:

• Develop the parks, recreation and open space (PROS) plan as a component of the city’s comprehensive plan and provide recommendations on periodic updates to the plan as directed by the city council.

• Provide a forum for the community to express their views on parks and recreation programs, services, and facilities.

• Advise and prepare recommendations on master plans for parks, trails, open space areas, and other recreation facilities and advise on the acquisition of park property.

• Make recommendations on the proposed budget for parks and recreation, pertaining only to programs, levels of service, and capital improvement projects. • Promote park and recreation activities within the city.

• Support and foster inclusive programs and services that embrace and enhance the cultural diversity of the community.

• Explore opportunities to obtain private, local, state, and/or federal funds to support parks and recreation programs, services and facilities.

• Facilitate communication and cooperation with existing organizations including schools, businesses, nonprofits, organizations, foundations, and other community groups to collaborate on the delivery of parks and recreation services.

• Provide a forum for the community to express their views regarding library services on Mercer Island and serve in an advisory capacity to the King County Library System.

• Advise on other matters as directed by the city council.

Meetings

Parks & Recreation Commission meetings are held at 5:00pm on the first Thursday of the month. Board and Commission meetings are held in a hybrid format. The public is welcome to join meetings in person at Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, or remotely using Zoom. This is a family-friendly Commission - children are welcome to attend all meetings and events!

Agendas, Minutes, and Videos

Visit the meetings page to view Parks & Recreation Commission meeting agendas, review past meeting minutes, or find links to meeting videos. 

Staff Liaison

Ryan Daly
Recreation Manager
(206) 275-7870  
ryan.daly@mercerisland.gov

Membership 

The Parks & Recreation Commission consists of seven members, appointed by the City Council. Commissioners are residents of Mercer Island and appointed to four-year terms. For more information about Parks & Recreation Commission membership, terms and term limits, appointment, and more, see MICC 3.53.

Residents interested in volunteering on the Parks & Recreation Commission are encouraged to fill out an application by clicking HERE.

Members

Click HERE to email the Parks & Recreation Commission