The city is embarking on a major project to replace all 7,900 water meters on the Island over the next two years. Replacing aging meters will aid leak detection and conserve water, strengthening Mercer Island’s water infrastructure, reads a city press release.

In preparation for this work, city crews are beginning to clean out meter boxes and make upgrades to meter boxes and lids where needed. Since water meters are located between the street and the houses they serve — often in yards or shrubbery — residents need to make sure their water meters are accessible.

NEW CITY HALL HOURS

City Hall operating hours have been expanded to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This expansion allows additional in-person capacity for city services and provides greater access for the community.

SOUTH MERCER PLAYFIELDS

According to a city report, South Mercer field No. 3 and the multi-purpose fields are substantially complete, and contractors and city staffers will be wrapping up the playfield project over the next month. Users can contact city staff to make reservations for all fields. A ribbon-cutting event will take place at noon on March 11.

SUMMER CELEBRATION

The city will fire up its Summer Celebration on July 15, with events taking place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Mercerdale Park and from 6-10:15 p.m. at Luther Burbank Park. Fireworks will commence at 10 p.m. at Luther Burbank.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact katie.herzog@mercergov.org. For event information, visit: www.mercerisland.gov/summercelebration.