July 12, 2023
This Saturday: Summer Celebration
Summer Celebration is almost here! Don't miss Mercer Island's largest event this Saturday, July 15. Attendees will enjoy the return of the community parade, live music, art vendors, kids' activities, community booths, food trucks, the signature fireworks show, and more. It's a great way to celebrate the season and get to know your community.

Festivities take place across two locations: Mercerdale Park and Luther Burbank Park - review the full schedule for more information.

Limited paid parking is available at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center as a fundraiser to support the event. Parking is $30 (pre-event) and $40 (day-of), with proceeds going directly to Summer Celebration festivities.

Please note: dogs must remain on leash at all times. The annual fireworks show at Luther Burbank Park will occur at approximately 10:00pm. We encourage event-goers to not bring pets to this portion of Summer Celebration and to keep pets indoors while at home during the show.

A special thanks to sponsors: Mercer Island Martial Arts, The Mercer Apartment Homes, Mercer Island Community Fund, The Park at Belle Harbour, ParentMap, Jake Jacobson, Windermere MI, and Luther Burbank Savings for supporting the event, and to Island Books, John L. Scott Mercer Island, and Island Treats for making the parade possible.
Full Eastbound I-90 Closure Coming Up
WSDOT just announced an overnight closure of Eastbound I-90 between Seattle and Mercer Island taking place this weekend. Eastbound I-90 will close to traffic from 11:59pm Friday, July 14 until 7:00am, Saturday, July 15 from the Rainier Avenue South exit to the Mercer Island Lid Tunnel.

Drivers using eastbound I-90 will need to use alternate routes or consider delaying travel. The northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound I-90 and the Edgar Martinez Drive South ramp to eastbound I-90 will remain open - all eastbound traffic will exit at Rainier Avenue South. Please note: during this closure, the eastbound 520 bridge will also be reduced to one lane between Interstate 5 and 92nd Avenue Northeast for crucial work.

This closure is necessary for WSDOT to conduct critical maintenance and repairs on fire suppression nozzles, fire extinguishers, and emergency phone systems in the I-90 tunnels. Additional work includes cleaning of fire zone letters, jet fans, drains, and piping. Islanders can get additional details on this closure using WSDOT’s Real-time Travel Map.
Mostly Music in the Park Starts Tomorrow
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, starting tomorrow, July 13, 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).

Mercer Island resident and Concert Pianist Natalya Ageyeva will kick off the first show, performing Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin alongside young medalist musicians of all ages. Browse the full lineup and schedule for upcoming shows. The City thanks sponsors 4Culture, the Mercer Island Community Fund, MIVAL, and Island Treats (they will be on-site with delicious treats to sell each week) for making this event possible.
Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element Available for Comment
The WA State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the City of Mercer Island to periodically review and update its Comprehensive Plan - this plan is the City's statement of vision, goals, and policies for managing growth in a twenty-year timeframe, which is currently being drafted for the 2024 through 2044 period. The plan contains an Economic Development Element, which is currently open for public comment. Islanders are encouraged to review a June 28 staff memo (which includes the first draft and details on how it was prepared) and share their feedback.

Comments on the first draft can be submitted by emailing them to comp.plan@mercerisland.gov by July 19. The Planning Commission will review the draft and comments at their July 26 meeting, and there will be several additional opportunities to comment throughout the Planning Commission review over the next couple of months. Stay updated by visiting the Comprehensive Plan Update page on Let’s Talk.
King County I-90 Trail Work Begins
The I-90 trail between SE 26th St and Shorewood Dr is currently closed as part of the next phase of the King County Sewer Upgrade Project. Here's the latest:

Pedestrians are now detoured from the trail to a protected gravel path along North Mercer Way and sidewalks on 84th Ave SE and SE 26th St. Bikes will merge with cars along North Mercer Way and 84th Ave SE and SE 26th St. Pedestrians and bicyclists should follow marked detour signage and pavement markings.

During working hours, single lane alternating traffic will be in place to support utility installation and paving operations. Bicycles and vehicles will share a lane along North Mercer Way between SE 26th St and Shorewood Dr.

Islanders can learn more about these closures on the County's project website.
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