Special to the Mercer Island Reporter

A “Leaf Labyrinth” was the central focus of a unique and creative event at Rotary Park last Sunday (Oct. 27), organized by the Rotary Club of Mercer Island.

About 30 volunteers of all ages spent several hours raking colorful fallen leaves into intricate patterns around the park. The project was conceived by Rotary member John Hamer and enthusiastically supported by all club members, including president Benson Wong.

Julie Hsieh, the club’s social-media committee chair, took photos and videos as the “Leafy Artwork” took shape. The elaborate circular labyrinth, designed by Anne Hritzay of the Mercer Island Visual Arts League, filled a large area near the Rotary Peace Pole. Participants walked in single file through the maze when it was completed.

A Rotary Seal in yellow and green leaves was assembled on a nearby slope by Rotarians Diane Tien and John Howe. Mercer Island High School students from the Interact Club came early to help set up the event, and they spelled out “MIHS” in leafy letters. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department provided rakes, gloves and other tools.

The hope is to make this an annual event and get even more MI residents to help in this fun project that uses natural materials in an innovative way. Meanwhile, drop by the park at 44th and 88th, just north of the MI Library, and see how many of the leaf designs remain. Some of them have already blown away in the wind, which was expected. But it was sure beautiful while it lasted.

For more photos and videos, see the RCMI Facebook page and mirotary.org.