Staff reports: playground replacements, expanded field bookings and MICC maintenance

Recreation staff on Jan. 9 updated the Parks and Recreation Commission on several operational items, including playground replacements, a successful pilot of online athletic field bookings, and a recent maintenance closure at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICC).

Brian Daly, recreation manager, said the Clark and Groveland Beach joint planning process drew more than 220 survey responses; staff will return in February with site-condition information and a draft public engagement plan. Daly said staff plans to present the planning scope to the city council with work beginning in late Q2 2025.

Playgrounds and facilities

Daly reported Roanoke Park permits have been issued and construction contracts are being finalized, with construction expected in spring 2025. Equipment for First Hill Park is scheduled to arrive next month and permits will be submitted soon with construction planned for late spring. The Dean’s Children’s Park engagement plan will be presented to the commission in February.

Online athletic field bookings

Daly described the winter pilot of a fully self-service online field booking system. Staff set an initial revenue goal of $10,000 and reported $14,000 from the pilot period; overall bookings showed $24,000 more revenue than the same period last year. "We've had 139 bookings and 295 hours of usage," Daly said, and he added that Mercer Island is currently the only nearby city offering a fully self-service process.

MICC maintenance and events

Daly recapped a December 16–January 5 closure to perform maintenance at MICC, including replacement of worn carpet in upper-level areas, gym refinishing, new resilient flooring in the dance room and painting. He noted the facility receives about 140,000 visits per year.

Staff also highlighted December community events, including a family movie night attended by about 250 people; the Argosy Christmas ship event drew an estimated 150 attendees this year; and a Hanukkah celebration at Mercersdale Park included a glow-in-the-dark menorah and music. Daly thanked community partners and the Mercer Island School District for their support.

Questions and operations

Commissioners asked staff about the Lynd Park trail and bike-safety improvements; Daly said punch-list landscaping and signage remain and that the work is "pretty much done." The commission did not take formal action on these operational items; staff will return with additional project updates at upcoming meetings.