YFS Breakfast, Boat Launch Closures, and More...

February 7, 2024

YFS Foundation Breakfast a Success

Earlier today, February 7, the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation held their Annual Breakfast event with record-breaking attendance. More than 500 people joined neighbors, staff, and supporters to learn about and help support Youth and Family Services programs.

While Youth and Family Services is a department of the City, it is generously supported by the independent MIYFS Foundation non-profit. In 2023, the funds raised by the MIYFS Foundation made up 26% of the YFS Department's revenue, directly empowering many programs and services. The YFS Department provides individual-, family-, and school-based counseling services, food security programs, youth-focused outreach, and much more. You can learn more about YFS on the City's webpage.

The City sincerely thanks the Foundation, all who attended the Annual Breakfast, and those who support the Foundation year-round. Your involvement helps make these valuable, accessible, and public programs possible in our community.

PS: couldn't make it to the breakfast? There are plenty of ways to support YFS, including by making a donation to the MIYFS Foundation - all donations $500 or more are currently being matched by a generous group of community members.

Last Chance: Provide Input on the Roanoke Park Playground Replacement

In 2022, Mercer Island voters approved a 16-year renewal of the parks levy, which continues funding for parks operations and maintenance in addition to funding playground replacements. The first playground scheduled for replacement is at Roanoke Park, with the public engagement process underway.

Through a recent Playground Virtual Public Meeting, attendees helped weigh in on the design process. You can still provide your input even if you couldn't attend the meeting: poll questions are available on Let’s Talk where you can weigh in about the playground design. But hurry, the poll closes soon. You can learn more and submit your feedback on Let's Talk.

Boat Launch and Frontage Road Closures Coming Up

On Friday, February 9 and Saturdays, February 10, 17, and 24, Frontage Road and the Mercer Island Boat Launch will be closed to public access for King County sewer pipe installation. County crews are installing sewer pipe along a section of Frontage Road to connect pipes underneath SE 35th Place and underwater in Lake Washington’s East Channel. Access for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and driveways on Frontage Road will be maintained while traffic detours are in place.

The County's permitted work hours are 7:00am to 7:00pm. Both Frontage Road and the Mercer Island Boat Launch will reopen as soon as this work is completed. For more information on this work, visit the County's project webpage.

Attend a MISD Elementary School Open House

The Mercer Island School District is hosting elementary school tours to offer prospective families an Open House to explore elementary school options. The tours are open to both current Island families and those considering a move to the Island.

Tours will be held tomorrow, Thursday, February 8 and Wednesday, April 17 from 9:30am - 11:00am. Attendees will need to wait outside either school's main entrance for staff to let them in.

WSDOT Work on I-90 Lane Closure Continues

Last month, the right lane of eastbound I-90 between Mercer Island and Bellevue was temporarily closed by WSDOT due to a failing expansion joint on the East Channel Bridge. This emergency single-lane closure will continue to be in place for the next few weeks as WSDOT prepares the area for temporary lane restriping this month.

Restriping work requires several days of dry weather. WSDOT is continuing to monitor conditions and will alert the City when this restriping work can begin. This will restore all four lanes of travel and allow for the joint to be replaced in 2025 (moved up from 2027). You can see a photo of the failing expansion joint on WSDOT's recent social media post.

We’re continuing to monitor this situation and relay updates to keep you informed. We know delays from this lane closure are frustrating. If possible, try to adjust your driving schedule over the next few weeks to avoid congested times and areas. We know it's a pain and appreciate your resilience as WSDOT completes this emergency work. You can learn more on our website alert.

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City of Mercer Island

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