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New Mercer Island Rowing Club seeks launch site; Luther Burbank favored for pilot
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Summary
A newly formed Mercer Island Rowing Club described fundraising and demand for a community rowing program and proposed Luther Burbank Park as a pilot site while some neighbors urged consideration of Clark Beach because of habitat concerns at Calkins Point.
Lauren Alexander, founder and director of the Mercer Island Rowing Club, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Oct. 20 that the nonprofit has 450 people on an interest list, has raised more than $125,000 toward a $250,000 goal, and plans pilot youth and adult “learn to row” programs beginning next summer. Alexander said the group has already been gifted rowing shells, has temporary storage, and prefers Luther Burbank Park for a pilot and long-term operations because of existing infrastructure — restrooms, parking, proximity to the community center and future dock work — and because other island beaches lack room for long shells and trailers. “Logistically and financially, Luther Burbank really is the only option for a pilot program and long term due to a number of factors,” Alexander said to the commission.
Resident Carolyn Botsman told commissioners she reviewed the proposal and urged caution about siting rowing activity at Calkins Point within Luther Burbank. Botsman quoted the Luther Burbank master plan language that characterizes Calkins Point as a valuable habitat zone and said that the constructed erosion-control beach (pea gravel held by large organic debris) near that point functions as salmon habitat and is close to the city’s largest protected wetland. She suggested Clark Beach as an alternative rowing location because it is larger, has more parking, restrooms closer to shore, and may be more favorable regarding wind and wave exposure.
Staff said the rowing group had submitted a proposal and that city staff would review it. At one point in the discussion Recreation Manager Ryan Veil (staff) summarized: “A proposal has been submitted, and we’re going to be reviewing that.” Commissioners and staff noted that any site selection would need to fit within existing park master plans and environmental permitting; several commissioners also asked staff to consider access for large shells and trailers and the potential need for seasonal or trial uses on a temporary basis. No formal decision or vote on the club’s request was taken at the meeting.
What’s next: Staff will review the written proposal and advise the commission of how requests for temporary pilot programs would be handled in light of master-plan language, shoreline permitting, and competing park uses.
