Parks and recreation facility closures, along with program and rental cancellations, have been extended in Mercer Island, according to the city.

The decision was made amid continuing COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns as well as Gov. Jay Inslee’s recent unveiling of a phased “Safe Start” reopening plan.

As of May 14, Mercer Island will not accept any program registrations or facility rental applications for upcoming dates until the timeline and guidelines around operations are more concrete.

The Mercer Island Community Center will remain closed until Aug. 31. Private outdoor event rentals are canceled until then. Athletic field rentals are canceled through June 30.

The community center’s closure also results in the cancellation of facility rentals and summer recreation/camp programs, including VOICE/SVP community service programs.

Although private outdoor event rentals are canceled through August, picnic areas are expected to reopen during Phase 2 of Inslee’s plan. These don’t require a reservation.

Athletic leagues are anticipated to resume during Phase 3. City staff will be working with user groups to coordinate bookings after June 30.

According to the city, Mercer Island staff will be contacting rental groups and participants to provide cancellation updates.

Mercer Island City Manager Jessi Bon said that she was disappointed by the extensions, but noted the city was keeping health precautions in mind.

“We are disappointed in the extended closure of the (community center) and cancellation of our summer recreation programs,” Bon said in the city’s news release. “I know that families, mine included, across the Island look forward to our summer camps, recreation and service programs. Unfortunately, we just don’t have the ability to safely execute these summer programs this year.”

Parks are still open for general use. Amenities such as playgrounds and sport courts are closed.

For more information, contact the city’s call center at 206-275-7626 or email coronavirus@mercergov.org.