Temporary trail closures in Pioneer Park

The ravine trail in the northeast quadrant of Pioneer Park is currently under repair. While a section of steps is being reconstructed, the trail will be impassable for all users during the day and during most non-work hours. For safety reasons, the city has decided to close parts and, at times, all of the ravine trail for much of the duration of the project. Efforts will be made to keep open the sections that are not being worked on, and the goal will be to keep the trail open on weekends, depending on the work progress. Barricades and signs will be placed at park entrance points, as well as at the trailhead on East Mercer Way so that park users are well informed about what is going on. The project is expected to be completed in approximately four weeks. For questions, please contact Paul West, Parks Natural Resources Coordinator, at 275-7833.

Work starts on emergency well at Rotary Park

Construction of the emergency water supply well at Rotary Park is underway. The contractor has cleared the area and set up a temporary construction fence. Last week, excavation began for the well building foundation.

The facility will be located at the northwest corner of the park. Underground piping for water and power will be installed from the well facility through the path to the reservoir site. A new storm line will be extended from the well facility to the street shoulder on the east side of 88th Avenue S.E. Except for the stormwater work, all other work will be within the park and the reservoir areas.

Workers are expected to park their vehicles along the street shoulder on 88th Avenue S.E., off the project site. The project duration is estimated to be about five to six months. A construction notification letter was sent to the neighborhood residents at the end of July. For questions, please contact Project Manager Rona Lin at rona.lin@mercergov.org or 275-7806.

Donate to Mercer Island Food Pantry at Starbucks

Through the rest of this week, the three Starbucks stores on the Island are accepting food donations for the Mercer Island Food Pantry. Usage has increased significantly due to the economy. Donations can be made at these Starbucks locations:

North Mercer Island, 7695 S.E. 27th St.

Mercer Island Drive Through, 7620 S.E. 27th St.

South Mercer Island, 8415 S.E. 68th St.