The Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Foundation Board of Directors invites the entire community into the halls of the historic Luther Burbank Administration Building (2040 84th Avenue SE) on Sunday, October 4, from 2:00-4:00pm.

Bring your family or friends, sip apple cider, and tour the building while learning about its history and current use as City offices, and as a home for many Youth and Family programs, such as the Food Pantry, counseling, and many other community services.

There will also be a sneak preview of the season's hand-blown glass pumpkins made by local artists Joni Johnson and Roberta Wyde, available for sale; pumpkin carving demonstration with acclaimed Master Carver Russ Leno; mini-pumpkin decorating for children; and of course, the legendary playground.

MIYFS, established in 1973, is committed to providing, coordinating and advocating for affordable, high quality human services for all. The MIYFS Foundation was founded in 1989 to support and enhance the work of MIYFS through fundraising efforts. Please direct questions to Sari Weiss, or call (206) 275-7756.

New Island Crest Park Trail Bridge Completed

Photos from the site; click to learn more about City Open Space Areas

The City's Parks Open Space crew recently finished construction on the Island Glen Bridge, a 27-foot span over a small creek that provides for trail access between the neighborhoods around Island Crest Park and West Mercer Way.

In 2013, after a tree fell on the original wooden bridge, structural rot was discovered - a temporary repair allowed time for funds to be allocated for the new replacement structure.

The new construction makes use of steel, concrete, and fiberglass building materials that collectively give the bridge a projected life span of 100 years. The project was completed with help from Alliance Steel Inc., McDowell Northwest Inc., Swenson Say Faget, and Parks Open Space Staff.

Early Warning: I-90 Weekend Closures Resume by Mid-October

Much of the work takes place in the I-90 tunnels;
click for WSDOT project page

In October, the Washington State Department of Transportation will resume weekend work closures on I-90 to allow construction of bus and carpool lanes next to the regular lanes, so the center roadway can be dedicated to Sound Transit light rail construction in 2017. These directional work closures began in the spring of 2015, but were suspended for the summer to avoid excessive inconvenience to drivers and local events.

The fall 2015 closure schedule is still being finalized, but will be published soon on this WSDOT webpage, along with accompanying maps. Lane closures typically start at about 11:00pm on Friday and end at about 5:00am on Monday.

Mercer Island Goes Green

Annual Fall Recycling Event: Saturday, October 24

Click for more event information and flyer

Save the date: safely dispose of the old equipment, electronics, appliances, and other household items that are cluttering your basement or garage at the popular Mercer Island Fall Recycling Event on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Mercer Island Boat Launch (3600 East Mercer Way).

As in the recent past, this year the City will be offering discounted worm and compost bins for soil-building projects around the garden. Click here for a full list of accepted items.

Boat Parking Regulations on Mercer Island

Click for boat parking regulations

Earlier this summer, the City was asked by a number of residents to clarify the limitations concerning on-street boat and trailer parking.

The legislative research revealed the intent of the City's regulations is to allow time-limited parking for boats and trailers --alongside the registered owner's property-- in the City right-of-way. After 72-hours, the boat and/or trailer must be moved, just like any other vehicle.

For more information about this regulation, visit the City's new webpage on the topic here.

For questions and comments on the MI Weekly, contact
Sustainability & Communications Manager Ross Freeman at

[email protected] or 206.275.7662.