MICA sign came down to avoid battlefield

When you join us for some of the many summer arts activities at Mercerdale Park, you may notice that the sign indicating where Mercer Island Center for the Arts will be built has come down. The MICA Board of Directors decided to remove the site determination sign after learning that opponents applied to the city to put up a large anti-MICA sign next to our sign on the designated site at the abandoned recycling center.

We think it is inappropriate that our parks become a battlefield of competing signs. When the MICA sign was put up nearly three years ago, it was a purely informational sign for the public.

Because the MICA volunteers and supporters are committed to the enhancement and beauty of Mercerdale Park, we would rather remove our sign than clutter and diminish the park with a competing sign from a political action committee. Though we encourage all forms of civil debate and discussion, we felt that competing signs upped the level of negative discourse regarding this issue. The MICA sign has done its job: educating the public of the existence of MICA and where it will be built.

MICA is still full steam ahead and the current project status is that we are awaiting a determination from the city on the SEPA review. We welcome all to stop by the office or call/email with questions. MICA staff and board members enjoy connecting with the public and listening to input and sharing information.

The community benefits of an arts center on Mercer Island are numerous and we’re spending the summer listening to what Islanders specifically value and qualities you prioritize.

MICA is building for the future. We look forward to your partnership in enhancing our community together.

MICA Board of Directors

Why MICA removed their sign from Mercerdale Park

Following a request from the city, Mercer Island Center for the Arts has removed its sign declaring Mercerdale Park to be the future home of its organization.

We sincerely want to recognize the efforts of Mr. Bruce Fletcher, the director of the Parks and Recreation Department, for his leadership, persistence and negotiating skills to convince a reluctant MICA organization that sign pollution is not conducive to the aesthetics of the park.

As Concerned Citizens for Mercer Island Parks (CCMIP), we would like to take a small amount of credit for the removal of the sign, but in the end, it was efforts of the city staff.

Once again, Islanders can enjoy Bicentennial Park and the entrance to the Native Garden from the recycling center without the intrusive MICA sign.

Peter Struck

Co-chair, CCMIP