MERCER
ISLAND
Welcome to Mercer Island – where community, nature and convenience intersect in harmony. Nestled
amidst the natural beauty of the Puget Sound region, Mercer Island beckons with its unique blend of
tranquility, convenience, and community spirit. Let us introduce you to some of the reasons why Mercer
Island is more than just a place – it’s a lifestyle.
Vibrant Business Community
The center of the island's business community can be found in the Town Center where continuing
revitalization and the addition of new restaurants, retail shops, and more, make downtown an attractive
place to shop, eat, or walk around. While most business activity is in the Town Center, there is also a
shopping center serving the south end, with residents, medical offices, a grocery store and a variety of
service businesses.
Arts, Shopping, and
Culinary Adventures
Discover the island’s vibrant arts scene, explore charming boutiques, and savor culinary
delights. Mercer Island’s shopping districts and eateries cater to diverse tastes, making every
day an adventure.
Mercer Island Arts Council sponsors arts events like Mostly Music in the Park and Shakespeare in the
Park, as well as the Community Art Gallery and the Great Hackett Outdoor Sculpture Gallery. Mercer
Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) promotes visual arts with a downtown gallery, and partners with other
Town Center galleries to host First Friday Art Walks each month. The island is also home to a chapter of
Youth Theatre Northwest, a school and theater, providing classes and programs for children ages 3-18.
Prime Location: Island Living,
City Connections
Imagine living in a place where the best of both worlds converges. Mercer Island’s strategic
location bridges the gap between Seattle and Bellevue. Commuting is a breeze, and you’ll be at the
heart of the action without sacrificing the serene island life. As the Puget Sound Region adapts to
growth, Mercer Island eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Sound Transit Light Rail. This eco-friendly
mode of transportation will crisscross the island, connecting residents and visitors alike. Imagine a
seamless commute, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced convenience – Mercer Island is poised
for a brighter future. Mercer Island maintains its small-town charm while seamlessly connecting to the
vibrant urban centers nearby. Whether you work in the city or telecommute from your island oasis,
you’ll find a welcoming community that embraces the best of both worlds.
Wooded Retreat
Picture a 13-square-mile oasis floating on Lake Washington. Mercer Island’s lush
greenery, wooded trails and waterfront views create a sense of calm and rejuvenation. Islanders cherish
the woodsy feeling that envelops them, fostering a close-knit community spirit. With over 475 acres of
park and open space, there are parks of all sizes for residents and visitors to enjoy.
A few of the many parks include:
• Aubrey Davis Park, one of the great legacies of Mercer Island. It encompasses
90-plus acres. There is something for everyone, with two softball fields, four tennis courts, picnic
shelter, two playground areas and two basketball courts.
• Luther Burbank Park, which features spectacular views of Lake Washington and
has facilities for several water-based activities, including swimming, boating and fishing. Dogs even
have their own water park in the off-leash dog park area at the park.
• Pioneer Park, which contains 6.6 miles of trails and contains the largest,
relatively least distributed forested natural area on the island. It is home to a diversity of habitat
types and critical areas including steep-sloped ravines, small, forested wetlands and a stream.
• Groveland Beach, the second of two parks that offer swimming on Mercer Island.
There are restrooms, playground area, barbecue grills and picnic areas as well.
• Island Crest Park, a large park, designed for multiple sports with baseball
diamond, batting cages, football field, a barbecue area, restrooms, and a trail system.
• Mercerdale Park in the heart of downtown Mercer Island. With plenty of open
space to enjoy, Mercerdale has trails, picnic areas, an expanded skateboard park and children’s
play area.
Safety First
Safety is paramount here. Mercer Island boasts an exceptionally low crime rate, thanks to our dedicated
police and fire departments. You’ll feel secure as you explore the island’s nooks and
crannies. The island has its own police and fire departments and a Marine Patrol unit for patrolling the
shoreline. A special dive team unit handles recovery and rescue operations around the lake. For those in
need, MIYFS stands as our social service agency. Supported by public funding and private contributions,
MIYFS offers a broad range of human and community services. We believe in lifting each other up,
ensuring that no one faces challenges alone.
Exceptional Schools
Our island is renowned for its top-tier schools. Families are drawn by the promise of quality education
for their children. Mercer Island High School continues to receive a gold medal ranking among the
nations’ best high schools by the U.S. News & World Report for student achievement. In addition,
private school options include St. Monica Parish School (pre-K through eighth grade Catholic school);
Northwest Yeshiva High School (the state’s only Jewish high school); the French American School of
Puget Sound (multilingual pre-K through eighth grade program); the Yellow Wood Academy (offering special
needs and gifted K-12 programs); and Privett Academy (six through 12).
Engage and Thrive
Get involved! Mercer Island offers myriad ways to connect with your neighbors and contribute to the
community. Whether it’s volunteering, joining clubs, or attending local events, you’ll find
your niche here. Our residents actively participate in various boards and commissions, providing
valuable insights on matters such as arts, civil service and open space conservation.
Foundations include the Mercer Island Schools Foundation who raises millions to help bridge the gap
between needs and state funding of schools, and the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation
which raises money for the agency at its annual breakfast as well as from the Mercer Island Thrift Shop.
We encourage Islanders to volunteer and shape their community’s destiny.
Having Fun on
Mercer Island
Festivals and special events throughout the year on Mercer Island bring people together to enjoy
themselves. With many community organizations such as Stroum Jewish Community Center, Mercer Island
Youth and Family Services Foundation and others there is something for everyone.
Island Lanterns, a community art project designed to inspire Mercer Island residents, brighten Town
Center and celebrate the Chinese New Year, is put together by the city and partners each February.
Leap for Green, an Earth Day event sponsored by the city, features entertainment and education for the
whole family.
Mercer Island Farmers Market operates on Sundays, from early spring through the fall next to Mercerdale
Park, with offerings from regional farmers as well as food trucks, music and other activities.
Summer Celebration, the Island's summer festival and a Seafair event, is held on the second weekend in
July in the town center. It features a two-day street fair, fireworks, a parade, entertainment and food.
Shakespeare in the Park is presented by Seattle Shakespeare Company during the summer months at Luther
Burbank Amphitheater. The outdoor classical play performance is free to attend.
Mostly Music in the Park takes place every Thursday in July and August from 6-7:30 p.m. in Mercerdale
Park. Everyone is encouraged to pack a basket or grab dinner from a local restaurant and head over to
the park for a picnic while enjoying evening music.
Art Uncorked, an annual event produced by the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, is an evening of wine
tasting, art, music, and food in the Greta Hackett Outdoor Sculpture Gallery in the Town Center. It
happens on the second weekend of September.
Trick-or-treating is a joint organized effort by the city and chamber of commerce that takes place in
the Town Center during the afternoon around Halloween each year.
Holiday Lights and Events
In addition to holiday lights being set up around Mercer Island, a series of events is held throughout
December to celebrate the holiday season! Events include a Holiday Makers Market produced by the Mercer
Island Chamber of Commerce, and Argosy Holiday Ship Festival which makes a stop on Mercer Island for a
bonfire at Luther Burbank and caroling.
