[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6345191,"mediaKeyId","2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995","parentId",2249568,"title","Mercer Island commission advances draft park-zone rules covering signs, trails, scoreboards and impervious-surface limits","audioSeconds",4224,"startMs",1227000,"endMs",5451000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995&start=1227&end=5451","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995/thumbnail_1227000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345191/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Mercer-Island-commission-advances-draft-park-zone-rules-covering-signs-trails-scoreboards-and-impervious-surface-limits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345191-1058dea423a84a6a59d8dfae96b720db/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402250&Signature=Hl46156vn7g7kmxVF~sFesfdQ7~CV789--d8SyWiDRgvIcDnwyrZFVeoXVM5p2rQnP-u2Ck1kRnfZzVJ9FME7oSgD862OxnbCwhufbh-bajvIon7FNjurWFvOOc1BrJE6Xc9VbcTOgTr83rYv6rWkBDNINETyhAc89c34UTboa5jVAUXUH481bA~fxRI8W37kPmziS18Z3FfpwzV9SK6b7w9hoZ79j8JDbrIktlxjwc-1XIYsn7Mpig48Z8qM1uPdKS7N3bC1ewJbJL3HPJpZ20ubP1mLPmmpdI~JRvl2IgNecqHxtnpg5Qk16HQySCJ376AZwZ4heZigRLGRODRSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mercer Island, Washington","date","2025-02-07T17:43:33Z","article","Park and Recreation Commission members spent the bulk of their Feb. 6 meeting reviewing a draft Park Zone code intended to align park-specific development standards with existing park uses and citywide rules.

The commission heard staff present proposed rules covering multiple topics: how wireless communications facilities would be treated; setback and signage limits; standards for scoreboards, kiosks and picnic shelters; a proposed 12-foot maximum for trail widths; guidance (not numeric minimums) on parking; a “no net new” impervious-surface approach with listed exemptions; and lighting requirements framed around shielding and industry-recommended levels.

Staff said wireless communications are already regulated elsewhere in Mercer Island’s municipal code and by state and federal law, and recommended including wireless facilities as a permitted use in the Park Zone with design-and-concealment language like the city’s Open Space Zone. City staff warned that excluding wireless as a permitted use could create conflicting code provisions and invite appeals, because state and federal rules limit local authority over such deployments.

On setbacks, staff proposed language carried over from the Open Space Zone plus a short list of site features explicitly exempted from a setback requirement (for example, parking areas, bollards, kiosks and utilities); commissioners indicated the exemptions reflect what is already on the ground.

Signage: staff reported many park signs are larger than the 10-square-foot cap used for open space parcels and recommended a limit of 16–18 square feet but placed 18 square feet in the current draft pending a final audit of existing signs. Commissioners asked staff to confirm the largest existing sign size before March. Staff also noted the city’s existing sign code (freestanding/ground sign limits) would apply unless the Park Zone adds a different limit.

Scoreboards: staff said the Island Crest Park scoreboard covers about 200 square feet of surface and proposed an upper limit between about 200 and 220 square feet to avoid creating a single, technically nonconforming scoreboard. Commissioners discussed whether to define a static maximum (e.g., 210–220 sq ft) or rely on a variance process for any future larger scoreboards; staff warned that variances are difficult to obtain for signs and recommended setting a specific cap and allowing case-by-case exceptions.

Kiosks: staff recommended using the existing Pioneer/Luther Burbank model (about 22 square feet surface area; up to 10 feet high) as a system standard.

Trails: staff presented a range of existing trail widths and surface types across the park system and recommended limiting trail development in the Park Zone to a maximum width rather than prescribing materials. After discussion about maintenance and emergency-vehicle needs, the commission indicated support for a 12-foot maximum trail width in the draft code while retaining flexibility for maintenance and official emergency-access corridors.

Picnic shelters: staff proposed using the existing Aubrey Davis shelter as a system standard (maximum 16-foot height, up to 1,200 square feet gross floor area); commissioners agreed to that recommendation.

Parking and access: staff withdrew a universal, per-field parking-minimum and instead proposed that parking be evaluated case-by-case when a proposed use is expected to exceed existing parking capacity. The draft includes standards for parking design, ingress and egress and references the city engineering standards for numeric requirements.

Impervious-surface policy: staff proposed a “no net new impervious surface” rule for park parcels, with a set of exemptions: improvements approved via an adopted master plan, ADA-required accessibility improvements, emergency access needs, public trails, synthetic turf athletic fields and utilities. Commissioners raised practical questions about routine small improvements (benches, small pads) and playground surfacing. Staff agreed to draft clarifying language that would (a) examine whether accessible playground surfacing should be exempted to allow replacing surfacing without forcing a net-new calculation and (b) consider a narrow exemption or threshold for small maintenance‑level features (benches, pads, short concrete bases) so routine work would not be blocked by the net-new rule.

Lighting: staff proposed park lighting rules that require fully shielded fixtures, aim-and-shield practices for sports fields consistent with IESNA guidance, automatic timers and a requirement that sports/field lighting be turned off within 30 minutes after use. Commissioners asked staff to clarify a cross-reference to public-right-of-way lighting (and to ensure the Park Zone rules align with the city’s existing street‑lighting standards); staff will refine the language before the next meeting.

Next steps: staff will return with a revised draft in March that incorporates clarifications on sign size, the playground/impervious exemptions, and lighting cross references. Commissioners indicated they intended to finalize most Park Zone topics at that meeting so the commission can hand a recommended package to city council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02/06/25 - Mercer Island - Parks & Recreation Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Mercer Island’s Park and Recreation Commission reviewed a draft Park Zone ordinance on Feb. 6 that lays out standards for signs, trails, scoreboards, kiosks, shelters, parking, impervious surfaces and lighting.","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},6345178,"Meeting actions: minutes approved; absence excused",41,6315000,6356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995&start=6315&end=6356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995/thumbnail_6315000.jpg","/articles/6345178/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Meeting-actions-minutes-approved-absence-excused","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345178-3185ca151d35fed7b2237eaad6cffaaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402250&Signature=QqvQc6FyNAQ-GbMCw0gWGunlLRxZdzdcehY0IU9PEdBujgDOj1e1hcUvUcwnxRzqVj6kssNRzjiUDf9OQsv8UEonLpfNeWCcCHB10DlucJ2SzQOAKvJh6Y5ALJAOavA8LJK74dTORNS-BNvLHJFk-t4UrdO4vWBdxBgg1-rga~uPIl4Ycx1kGn-4OKbPLyOtVRbLhy4oopCsZJqRyxV5O-zp-EY8Kzi4sGHOo4GS7evWT-YDjpq~qI0sbvUpxcRpF3P3tP4ZSIyvzs4hKrb4~B9b9fAhRaqjjj~D5LDJrBOI~V0ewGm86dN3v-lf867YkM57NcCGJdkvAqd0GL9NTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two formal actions were recorded during the Feb. 6 meeting:

1) Approval of minutes: The commission moved to approve the minutes from its Jan. 9, 2025 special hybrid meeting. The motion passed by roll‑call vote with recorded ayes from Commissioner Hay, Vice Chair Burstein, Commissioner McCarthy, Commissioner Westberg, Chair Strzok and Commissioner Cohen. The motion was recorded as approved.

2) Excused absence: The commission voted to excuse Commissioner Markson’s absence from the Feb. 6 meeting. The motion to excuse was moved by Commissioner McCarthy and seconded by Vice Chair Burstein. A roll‑call vote recorded ayes from Commissioner Cohen, Commissioner Hay, Commissioner Westberg, Commissioner McCarthy, Vice Chair Burstein and Chair Strzok; the motion passed.","The Park and Recreation Commission approved minutes for the Jan. 9 special meeting and voted to excuse Commissioner Markson's absence from the Feb. 6 meeting; both were recorded by roll call.",{"_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},6345182,"Staff reports: beetle damage to turf, playground work, bench donations, pea‑patch openings and busy community events",974,89000,1063000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995&start=89&end=1063","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995/thumbnail_89000.jpg","/articles/6345182/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Staff-reports-beetle-damage-to-turf-playground-work-bench-donations-peapatch-openings-and-busy-community-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345182-e130003cd66c982ce9e922264a6cda5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402251&Signature=fWeo2iDumUiBGkwHUjwc7FOerStvn-JdAjNF7P9RBwMDx5hEv6kp8JVWNQd9KwjXWz2c0b5hI5agBQEbS7c6VqwzAGfufhovVTZoTtG7oVQgMVAI8lULJeb7Cb75a1D01hc-dBHPN9WeI2y05~NvJ6fuLPqRV2Cy4YmE9MZga2BuQP82qf986bcM6icKqq~FdGOn26F5oj7kbpf1L4N1BpL28Ojlya94djhso0wMbKfFYfYFJH1j45DPqgndieLI45U0zjQdnX4Jwv1EEIIVKn15R1hiajOQg9fwNNDg8bO-Vx5gw7sljfPklBV82zmouZYi46A6rUMRuhlZ89ihQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City recreation and parks staff opened the meeting with operational updates that touched on maintenance, events and near‑term project schedules.

Parks operations manager Sam Harb described a multi‑year problem with European chafer beetle grub damage in turf across private and public property on Mercer Island. Harb said damage presents as discrete clumps and is often exacerbated by last year’s watering restrictions; the department plans a spring rehabilitation process that will use improved irrigation and healthy‑turf best practices to restore affected areas at South Mercer Playfields, Luther Burbank and other sites.

Recreation Manager Ryan Daley reviewed several planned or in‑progress projects: a Clark and Groveland beach planning process will go to city council on March 18 with staff and the Berger team requesting direction on next steps and public engagement; Roanoke Park playground construction will begin later in February and is expected to run 3–4 months; First Hill Park’s damaged treehouse was repaired and a public art piece reinstalled, and permit applications are submitted for playground replacement; Dean’s Children’s Park staff and Berger will seek council approval of scope and public engagement on March 18 and the commission will receive a follow‑up presentation after council direction.

On donations and programs, staff said bench donations continue to be popular; a new bench at Clark (a new installation, not a replacement) will be sited with family representatives and a plaque will be installed. The pea‑patch community garden will offer 64 plots this season, sizes ranging from roughly 80 square feet up to about 1,000 square feet; staff said redivision of larger “mega” plots will allow approximately 20 of 28 wait‑listers to get in. Staff also noted a busy Lunar New Year event at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center on Feb. 2 that ran two sessions with over 1,000 attendees combined and about 700 people on the waitlist.

Staff reminded the commission of an upcoming senior resource fair on March 1 with some 40 vendors coordinating with Youth & Family Services, police and emergency management. The department also reported on snow‑response priorities and successful clearing of high‑use pathways and park access routes after a recent storm, and thanked maintenance crews for rapid work.

Daley closed with a planning schedule update: a March 6 commission meeting will focus on park‑zone items, April 3 is open, and May will include the recreation annual report and MICC fee‑waiver policy work; the commission will receive further project updates after council actions in mid‑March.","Recreation and parks staff updated the commission on turf damage from the European chafer beetle, upcoming playground replacements and permit submittals, a bench donation, the pea‑patch plot redistribution, and recent and upcoming community events including a Lunar New Year celebration and a senior resource fair.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345186,"Commission backs staff recommendation to keep I‑90 lids zoned Public Institution as WSDOT leases approach renegotiation",785,5467000,6252000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995&start=5467&end=6252","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249568-1253c4ca46446b32e51846bb68529995/thumbnail_5467000.jpg","/articles/6345186/Mercer-Island/King-County/Washington/Commission-backs-staff-recommendation-to-keep-I90-lids-zoned-Public-Institution-as-WSDOT-leases-approach-renegotiation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345186-692e738904bdf69edc2edaa2a462d413/orig.mp4?Expires=1775402251&Signature=iUWzdu40FeoWjXQZxdJqgvSf4H7h~zqid1P3Pt8IZkoh8b9Njl0wpyLL3AuGrRlFfDlZTrT59BavbnpyTvNAy7LuNUYIFRx0nn3hzFEgdFAaJbgBkIiZjGBSxuSV5Sk-GG9cx8u3~W7tvY1YxEj0DVWLKaia~hugaocAt~s5KJTE7rDJrTERa2J9nD~SJeIxu59g9SBg43ycUJOv57biVbQRjD~wt1cXf58MYxVY6q93JM~WETgzHjAh94o3wKL27am6n4fchlpGzmeWBEPY5qho8~hcawDHwOZIOlZBYUKoUDlNgqzF7zzRZjihU4lL9CMc0eec8HzF3rwzS-n1fQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners discussed the legal and operational relationship between the city and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the Aubrey Davis Park lids and the long I‑90 transportation corridor across the north end of Mercer Island.

Staff presented background: the lids and associated surplus airspace were created during the I‑90 reconstruction and are governed by turn‑back/maintenance agreements and airspace leases executed in the late 1980s and 1990s. Those leases have 40‑year terms; staff noted renegotiation will be required as the agreements approach expiration in the 2030s. Staff also cited an amendment to the state statutes (referred to in the meeting as an RCW amendment from 2003) that states surplus‑property leases are subject to local zoning provisions when renegotiated.

City staff and commissioners said WSDOT retains primary authority for transportation uses of the right-of-way and that any change to zoning or to Park Zone rules could affect future negotiations. After discussion, the commission signaled a majority preference to follow staff’s recommendation and leave the I‑90 corridor and lids in the Public Institution (PI) zoning category rather than proactively rezoning the corridor to Park. Commissioners asked staff to capture their concerns and arguments for the record and to include them in the handoff memo to council for the legislative process.

Staff emphasized the city has a long‑standing, operational partnership with WSDOT over the lids and that city projects on the lids require WSDOT approval under the existing agreements. Staff recommended continuing an approach of collaboration and preparing for lease renegotiation with the state, rather than changing the parcel zone at this time.","Commission discussion emphasized that WSDOT controls airspace leases for Aubrey Davis Park lids and that any future lease renegotiation (leases expiring in 2034) will need to account for city zoning and state statutes; commissioners declined to rezone the corridor to Park in this process and asked staff to capture concerns in the handoff memo.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mercer Island commission advances draft park-zone rules covering signs, trails, scoreboards and impervious-surface limits

Meeting actions: minutes approved; absence excused

Staff reports: beetle damage to turf, playground work, bench donations, pea‑patch openings and busy community events

Commission backs staff recommendation to keep I‑90 lids zoned Public Institution as WSDOT leases approach renegotiation