Two Major Parks Projects Approach Design Milestones

May 19, 2021 – Last night, the City Council approved moving forward on two major Parks projects that will ultimately replace degraded park amenities and materials, while also enhancing the user experience for a wide range of visitors of all abilities. The first project is well into planning, and the second is nearing final design for installation later this summer.

Luther Burbank Docks and Shoreline: Planning for the rebuild of the boat docks at Luther Burbank Park began a year ago and is now well into design. Built in 1974, the docks have less than five years of service remaining; in addition, the fixed height piers are not useful for smaller boats and do not serve the needs of most current boaters or the City's boating programs. The new design will draw on the Luther Burbank Park Master Plan and envisions a lively waterfront activity center centered around small boats including power, sail, and paddlecraft.

The design process will also consider how to make the nearby waterfront more accessible to all users, explore the addition of a science classroom above existing restrooms, and add lighting and other safety features such as new plaza paving. The City Council approved funding to reach 30% design, and the City appreciates the significant work accomplished by the Parks and Recreation Commission in reaching this milestone. Many more public engagement opportunities will be offered during this multi-year process before a final design is selected in 2022; The City is pursuing multiple County, State, and Federal grants for various phases of the project. Learn more and view design materials.

Mercerdale Playground Renovation: Last year, the City determined that the playground at Mercerdale Park needs replacement in the interests of safety; existing equipment is 19 years old, at the end of its useful life, and no longer meets certified industry standards.  Public outreach to gather design ideas began in February and continues with ongoing refinements and additions to the proposed equipment options.  The new playground will: be raised up to ground level; enjoy a new all-weather play surface; include ADA-approved accessible and inclusive elements; and improve sub-subsurface drainage.

City crews have begun site prep work by decommissioning most of the existing structures and removing them from the Park, except for the swings. After finalizing the design and ordering equipment, staff anticipate the new playground reopening in late summer 2021; the well-known train-themed play structure will be replaced sometime this fall. The City Council has approved the amended budget of $843,000 and formally accepted the generous donation of $20,000 from the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA). The City again appreciates the assistance of the Parks and Recreation Commission in evaluating multiple design alternatives. To view the meeting presentation, click here. To learn more about the project in general please visit the project webpage.