August 2, 2023
Get Ready for Seafair Weekend
Lake Washington's largest event is back August 4 - 6 with a weekend full of festivities, including the popular Blue Angels air shows. Make sure you're ready for Seafair:

Please be aware that Groveland Beach Park will now have an established maximum capacity of 500 patrons, filled on a first-come-first-serve basis. This change is necessary to ensure the safety of park patrons and allow for adequate emergency response capabilities for Police, Fire, and EMS providers.

Islanders should also keep in mind the following during the festivities:
  • The I-90 Bridge will not be closed.
  • Parks will be crowded and parking will be limited. Arrive early and be patient.
  • Roads will be congested and traffic control may be directing vehicles down alternate routes. Drive carefully and allow extra time to get home after the shows.
  • Proctor Landing will be closed to the public to allow for first responder use.
  • Air shows are loud and noise is sporadic. Consider keeping pets inside during airshow practices and performances to prevent runaway pets.
If you're heading out on the water:
  • Boaters should be mindful of No Wake Zones and restricted boat traffic areas during the event.
  • Mercer Island Marine Patrol will be on the lake along with additional vessels from surrounding law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone’s safety in the water and along the coastlines. Call 911 to report emergencies or safety concerns.
  • Sober boating enforcements will be in effect throughout Lake Washington. Don't drink and operate a vessel.

Learn more by reviewing the City's Seafair info webpage and browse the full list of Seafair activities online.
Share Town Center Parking Study Feedback
At the July 6 City Council meeting, the Council directed City staff to resume the process to review and adopt the 2022 Town Center Parking Study report. The preliminary report is now available featuring five main sections and four supporting appendices, including a project overview, parking inventory, community outreach summary, strategies and recommendations, and implementation information. Islanders are encouraged to learn more about the Town Center Parking Study and provide their feedback on the draft report through Let's Talk.
Swing by the Farmers Market
The Mercer Island Farmers Market is underway for the season with a great assortment of local and regional vendors, artisans, purveyors, and a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to stop by on Sundays from 10:00am - 2:00pm June through October. Plus, browse the 2023 Market Music Calendar to see what live performances are coming up.

Learn more about this season's market and see a list of vendors and offerings on the Mercer Island Farmers Market website.
Good to Know: Tree Removals and Replantings
To protect public safety and prepare for park restoration, City crews will be removing six trees in the vicinity of the Boiler Building at Luther Burbank Park. These trees are at risk of falling into the building or are small trees that block necessary removal of unhealthy and unstable ones. These trees would have been removed in the next six months as part of the Luther Burbank Park waterfront improvements, but their condition requires immediate action. Ten trees will subsequently be planted in the same area to replace those that needed to be removed.

The docks and waterfront will be closed during this operation, which is expected to last one day on August 14. On-site notices will be posted. While removing trees is only done when necessary, the trees are recycled to provide continued benefit - trunks and chips from the trees will be used on the park's South Shoreline Restoration Project that is currently underway. Learn more about this work on Let's Talk.
Reminder: Mostly Music in the Park
Grab your friends and family, dinner to-go, and those low back chairs... Mostly Music in the Park is back! Enjoy a relaxing evening at Mercerdale Park, with the next show happening tomorrow, August 3, from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Take in the sunshine and free live music, plus arts and crafts provided by the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL). You can browse the full lineup and schedule for upcoming shows (each Wednesday through August 17). The City thanks sponsors 4Culture, the Mercer Island Community Fund, MIVAL, and Island Treats for supporting this event.
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