[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6253132,"mediaKeyId","3182982-56ab9a40b936c34fdf4b0ade8a55b6bc","parentId",3182982,"title","Mercer Island to prioritize repairs at Clark and Groveland beaches in new infrastructure plan","audioSeconds",2413,"startMs",880000,"endMs",3293000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182982-56ab9a40b936c34fdf4b0ade8a55b6bc&start=880&end=3293","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182982-56ab9a40b936c34fdf4b0ade8a55b6bc/thumbnail_880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6253132/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Mercer-Island-to-prioritize-repairs-at-Clark-and-Groveland-beaches-in-new-infrastructure-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253132-77b3a1095dd2121791a5ad0b942e0dd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452912&Signature=k0PtBKmUWOFt6JVSNLl0OkbxBf0rMVFbeQhKPHmgFOMTrX1KyPvj-TJNYoW-PbfVBCGB1paJpEl06YAcD9tp1u3mcj~rqGJrK1kUJZapIi-xxsuxjekvTQwQ0-CETV1Wxf1aH9C~aswRR1CQ702KP4Ef1mnjaTWpeDI90LBdEJXXerImMjF5Wswp-TWLjt-Kx~~mWKYElYyqVry5Jrox1JkWsfRLpQnR4VbQHa78bgr61IyomO1iF0VkLvIyGKqSD-wC~WMm6R~~TzvzXJ0NRBiGt6a6G6nOl3iw7CAntZ7Sr-wlT-HdkRJPkBFTagMFP4GIGaFAYhO55~s-K8lcAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mercer Island, Washington","date","2025-05-03T00:10:59.73Z","article","Mercer Island city staff presented a joint infrastructure plan for Clark Beach Park and Groveland Beach Park at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on May 1, outlining a near-term program of repairs, permitting coordination and community engagement focused on aging overwater structures, shoreline erosion and accessibility improvements.

The infrastructure plan replaces a previously envisioned master plan and targets improvements the city expects to implement over the next 10 to 12 years, allowing early permit coordination and grant applications, project manager Sarah Blubas said. \"A park master plan is really that big long‑term vision ... whereas an infrastructure plan is really meant to be near term. So we'll be looking at improvements and enhancements that need to be implemented over the next 10 to 12 years,\" Blubas said.

Why it matters: both parks have shoreline features built in the 1960s–1970s that city consultants judged to be deteriorated. Staff said the enclosed swim area, pier and sheet‑pile wall at Clark Beach have reached the end of their useful life and are causing shoreline erosion and localized sinkholes under pier surfaces. Groveland's in‑water structures are in generally fair condition after repairs completed in 2018–2019, but show cracking, spalling and local timber and pile deterioration.

Assessments and findings: staff and consultants completed topographic and bathymetric surveys, condition assessments of in‑water structures, geotechnical and critical‑areas reconnaissance, and accessibility audits. Key findings included corroding sheet‑pile wall and asphalt depressions at Clark, localized pile and decking decay at Groveland, and ADA noncompliance at both parks' restrooms (insufficient maneuvering space, inaccessible fixtures, tactile signage issues). Blubas said both sites are mapped as hazardous areas that will require additional geotechnical study before final design.

Community input and schedule: staff reported 229 responses to a fall 2024 online survey that identified beach access, steep access trails, park sanitation and restroom maintenance as leading community concerns. The public engagement plan includes up to two additional online surveys, an open house (in‑person or virtual), postcard mailings to nearby households and targeted outreach; staff said they mailed about 400 postcards to neighbors last fall. Berger Partnership is under contract to develop schematic designs and cost estimates; staff said contracting is wrapping up and work will proceed through summer and fall with a target for plan review and adoption by the second quarter of 2026. Project information and surveys are posted at www.mercerisland.gov/cgip (Let's Talk).

Permitting and funding: staff emphasized that waterfront projects face lengthy permitting with multiple state and federal agencies and tribal consultation; the plan is intended to enable early agency coordination and competitive grant applications. City council previously approved the scope to develop a joint infrastructure plan on March 18, 2025, staff said.

Next steps and tradeoffs: the infrastructure plan will prioritize near‑term capital repairs — particularly in‑water structures — and consider other amenities (restrooms, signage, picnic areas, parking) as resources allow. Blubas noted that if an in‑water structure fails and is removed, replacing it later will be very difficult because of permitting and environmental constraints. Commissioners asked staff to consider whether different waterfronts should emphasize differing uses (for example, fishing or natural shoreline restoration) so the island's three public waterfronts provide complementary experiences rather than duplicating amenities.

The commission will review design alternatives during two future check‑ins and receive a final staff recommendation on a preferred infrastructure plan following public engagement.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05/01/25 - Mercer Island - Parks & Recreation Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Mercer Island city staff presented a joint infrastructure plan for Clark Beach Park and Groveland Beach Park at the May 1 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, prioritizing near‑term repair of aging overwater structures, shoreline stabilization and improved accessibility.","taxTitle","Mercer Island, King County, Washington","taxId",70518,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6253123,"Dean's Children's Park survey opens; city reports playground, courts and event updates",483,100000,583000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182982-56ab9a40b936c34fdf4b0ade8a55b6bc&start=100&end=583","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182982-56ab9a40b936c34fdf4b0ade8a55b6bc/thumbnail_100000.jpg","/articles/6253123/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Deans-Childrens-Park-survey-opens-city-reports-playground-courts-and-event-updates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253123-bb779d5201aee94ed84b0bda611985f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452912&Signature=Q09jt0nqWhJrBO62VBv~DW3ZP57P0-sTjCl-9jxChFMvomR437a0hY-Vx~YPmoyB8Gh4QWEzQxgP~ujy7~7aeny-AfGqHcaR6g5zEs4eI~qU5uYZE9Xrd53ol7KZ12cqP1pDse5NyMBTYoUNwOQtDEBRgoH668udB5Wdn27dOGeerxpcxP4IbaBxk32ezqw6WgS~0pevoy9-dTx4e2e32diNgoUA9oK2D~krOGjYeImgSXUx3IWomJBQK3RF1k-l6R3JQNg3LXOlkE55Om4QOzPkeK4-DWCL73Rs5Z5ucok-qCfgvBgvHJW0cmWajjaS~IOcFN-jjvYwkXDKvrTcVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 1 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, recreation staff reviewed project updates across city parks, announced a community engagement window for the Dean's Children's Park site plan and outlined construction and events schedules for playgrounds, courts and summer activities.

The Dean's Children's Park site plan: Recreation Supervisor Katie Herzock said the city has initiated public engagement for Dean's Children's Park. \"There is an online survey that has been open for a couple of weeks and will close on May 12,\" she said, and staff will host an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Island Park Elementary. Feedback will inform design concepts to be presented to the community in July and to the Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 4. Project information is posted at mercerisland.gov/dcpg.

Playgrounds and court work: Herzock reported ongoing work at Roanoke Park Playground, where crews are installing a new drainage system, preparing accessible play surfacing, adding crushed‑rock subgrade, removing old concrete footings and installing posts for new swings and spinners. Permits have been issued for the First Hill Park Playground and staff are finalizing the construction schedule. At Luther Burbank Park, field turf has been installed, construction fencing removed and landscape work is underway. Court surfacing for new pickleball courts is scheduled for early June, weather permitting; staff will post closures at least two weeks in advance and update rules at reopening.

Pickleball use and rules: Commissioners asked about court etiquette and scheduling. Herzock said: \"Currently, there is no sign up or structured play at the court. So it is a show up, and play, hope there's court time, and hope other players are respectful of ... how much time they're using on the courts.\" Vice Chair Paul Burstein noted an online tool (playtimescheduler.com) that players use to indicate planned court use; he described it as not a reservation system but a visibility tool indicating who will be there.

Events and sponsorships: Staff previewed summer celebration planning (parade, entertainment, food vendors, fireworks) and listed confirmed sponsors including Mercer Island Martial Arts, Mercer Island Community Fund, Windermere, Bell Harbor and Puget Sound Energy. Mostly Music in the Park will have a presenting sponsor, Seattle Airstream Adventures, and staff confirmed family movie nights, summer camps and new open art studio dates.

Maintenance and volunteer work: Herzock thanked volunteers and partners: Bloodworks Northwest collected 25 units at a recent drive hosted at the community center; Eagle Scouts replaced 90 feet of fencing at Luther Burbank Park. Park maintenance teams reported turf restoration at South Mercer Playfields and ongoing integrated pest management responses to grub and beetle damage.

Boards and schedule: Herzock reminded the commission that boards and commissions recruitment deadlines were extended to May 9; chair and vice chair elections are scheduled for June 5 and the King County Library System will provide an annual update at the June meeting. Staff said all event and project dates will be posted on the city's project pages and that they will provide closure schedules at least two weeks in advance for court resurfacing and mural restoration.","City staff opened public engagement for the Dean's Children's Park site plan, gave updates on multiple playground projects and said courts and other park work will continue through the summer with scheduled closures announced in advance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6253128,"Mercer Island Recreation Division reports 70% cost recovery, rising program use in 2024",1752,3300000,5052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3182982-56ab9a40b936c34fdf4b0ade8a55b6bc&start=3300&end=5052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3182982-56ab9a40b936c34fdf4b0ade8a55b6bc/thumbnail_3300000.jpg","/articles/6253128/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Mercer-Island-Recreation-Division-reports-70-cost-recovery-rising-program-use-in-2024","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253128-f00468e199460abb87673118a2e4b923/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452912&Signature=fB~4W706PcY8Y72j5SFP~3jcPiI0r3l0iuGoj6m-49A4Pf5RKvxhoQXSFfMpURAVBWuB~tthYDFtJN8qS57Hr5K3YvicG6-mMWN9tWlKCP7Am0kMYxi-gqSFqQchO4cpk8yEoyMs9OGyLdIZVoHDhCdLjJsHeFoLfWfIlBE8K9yhN7BprTaiaZNhW~tlMtsj6~CCM~3-032hxMmMi4xk2coJG7X3zcxgSAx60VJ~NTtb3DDjUcW5lw9H5sVLjd8yJJujidQx0KCroj1O0eDah2ig05o9fgwSOBNDe~NUEeN-hnTOUoWewqdhwfnp2dE2M0LX1aG1AmwidNVGC917Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mercer Island Recreation Division told the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 1 that it achieved 70% overall cost recovery in 2024, expanded community center bookings and drop‑in participation, and secured new multi‑year grants to support community events.

Recreation Supervisor Katie Herzock said the division recorded 1,874 facility bookings in 2024 totaling just under 7,500 hours and expanded programs, drop‑in sports and fitness room use. \"We did achieve 70% overall cost recovery,\" Herzock said, noting that the division also implemented online athletic‑field booking, temporary rules for Luther Burbank pickleball courts and broader use of civic forms to process sponsorships and applications.

Key statistics and grants: staff reported a team of 18 full‑time and part‑time employees augmented by seasonal hires; program highlights included 102 picnic rentals, 70 athletic field renters (an 18% increase in hours and 16% increase in bookings from 2023), and 36 private park events in 2024. The division also won a King County for Culture grant of $44,000 per year for three years (2025–2027) and a $20,000 grant from the Mercer Island Community Fund to support community events.

Programs and facilities: the Mercer Island Community and Events Center increased drop‑in sports participation and fitness room use. The pea patch community garden grew to 64 participants under revised rules and staff management. Summer camps are run by contracted vendors; staff said registrations are strong in 2025 after a decline in some camps in 2024. Jeremy Jasmine, recreation coordinator, presented program details and usage charts during the meeting.

Operational notes and issues: staff described occasional capacity constraints—some large rentals have required canceling drop‑in activities when parking reached capacity. Herzock and staff said they are balancing rental revenue with public programming and will continue to explore scheduling and outreach to encourage carpooling and alternative transportation. The city is also coordinating with its emergency manager on regional impacts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including potential traffic, parking and event date changes.

Public events and rights: staff confirmed two First Amendment events were permitted in 2024, and staff said they handle rally and procession requests as park reservations. Commissioners asked for follow‑up on park maintenance reporting and trail investments; staff said they will coordinate with parks maintenance to provide a parks summary or update for the commission in 2025.

Looking ahead: King County Library System will present an annual update at the June commission meeting; commissioners were asked to submit questions for KCLS to staff by May 12. Staff said community center rentals and athletic field bookings are tracking on pace or exceeding 2024 levels for 2025.","The Recreation Division reported 2024 accomplishments including a 70% cost recovery rate, expanded community center bookings and events, new multi‑year grants for community events, and continued growth in summer camps and the pea patch program. Staff flagged facility capacity and parking as ongoing operational issues and noted planning for World","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mercer Island to prioritize repairs at Clark and Groveland beaches in new infrastructure plan

Dean's Children's Park survey opens; city reports playground, courts and event updates

Mercer Island Recreation Division reports 70% cost recovery, rising program use in 2024