Bike Skills Area at Upper Luther Burbank Park

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This project has concluded. Please see the New Bike Skills Area at Deane's Children's Park project page for the latest project information and to leave feedback on the proposed Bike Skills Area at Deane’s Children’s Park.

The City of Mercer Island will temporarily close the Bike Skills Area (formerly called the BMX Course) at Upper Luther Burbank Park for approximately six months due to significant operating challenges and safety concerns.

Over the last several years, use of the Bike Skills Area has been impacted by repeated unauthorized expansion of the course, damage to soils and established vegetation, and construction of jumps that exceed park rules. This closure will allow the City to ensure this park area is operating safely and sustainably.

Action Sports Design, a specialized consultant, will perform a full assessment of the site and make recommendations to improve the Bike Skills Area while minimizing environmental impacts. Trees in this area of the park will also be assessed for pruning and removals as necessary, and trees and shrubs will be planted this Winter to revegetate areas that have been damaged.

Public engagement is a preeminent focus during this closure. The City will activate several avenues to share feedback and ideas for the future of the Bike Skills Area, including a virtual public meeting on November 15, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the project and answer questions.

Community members are invited to follow the City’s social media profiles for updates and visit this Let’s Talk page for details about the work being performed, engagement opportunities, and more on what’s ahead.


The City of Mercer Island will temporarily close the Bike Skills Area (formerly called the BMX Course) at Upper Luther Burbank Park for approximately six months due to significant operating challenges and safety concerns.

Over the last several years, use of the Bike Skills Area has been impacted by repeated unauthorized expansion of the course, damage to soils and established vegetation, and construction of jumps that exceed park rules. This closure will allow the City to ensure this park area is operating safely and sustainably.

Action Sports Design, a specialized consultant, will perform a full assessment of the site and make recommendations to improve the Bike Skills Area while minimizing environmental impacts. Trees in this area of the park will also be assessed for pruning and removals as necessary, and trees and shrubs will be planted this Winter to revegetate areas that have been damaged.

Public engagement is a preeminent focus during this closure. The City will activate several avenues to share feedback and ideas for the future of the Bike Skills Area, including a virtual public meeting on November 15, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the project and answer questions.

Community members are invited to follow the City’s social media profiles for updates and visit this Let’s Talk page for details about the work being performed, engagement opportunities, and more on what’s ahead.


This project has concluded. Please see the New Bike Skills Area at Deane's Children's Park project page for the latest project information and to leave feedback on the proposed Bike Skills Area at Deane’s Children’s Park.

  • Rider Questionnaire #2 now open!

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
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    Rider Questionnaire #2 Now Available!

    On Tuesday, December 14, the City launched a second online survey for bike riders that use the Bike Skills Area at Upper Luther Burbank Park.

    The information collected in the survey will be used by the City’s consultant (Action Sports Design) to develop specific recommendations that reflect course user interests. Please don't delay – the survey will close at 11:59 PM on December 22, 2021.

    Thank you for your continued engagement!

  • Re-grading work begins at BSA

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    Parks Maintenance staff have begun regrading work at the Bike Skills Area in Upper Luther Burbank Park. This work aims to restore the native soil at the base of the slopes and the edge of the course, using a small excavator. The jumps at the Bike Skills Area were created by 'borrowing' soil from the area surrounding the course, which undercut the slopes. Regrading these areas will return the soil to the bases of those hillsides, reducing the chance of slope movement and providing a planting medium. Our Open Space Team is working on a replanting plan for this area which will slow and (eventually) stop the erosion of these slopes.


    In case you missed the public meeting, the following preliminary recommendations from the consultant include:

    • Jumps will be professionally designed & maintained in their designed form
    • Bike Skills Area will remain within existing footprint
    • Restore soil to undercut hillsides and tree root zones

  • November 15th Public Meeting

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    UPDATE: Unfortunately, the recording of this meeting was impacted by technical issues and is not available. You can view a recorded version of the presentation here.


    Are you interested in the current work being done at the Bike Skills Area in Upper Luther Burbank Park? Do you want to learn more about the future of this facility and provide feedback?

    Please join us at the upcoming public meeting on Monday, November 15 at 4:00pm! City staff will be joined by Mike McIntyre, Principal at Action Sports Design, to talk about next steps for the Bike Skills Area. We encourage you to join via computer - we'll be asking participants to provide answers to polling questions and give feedback in the chat box.

    To join on November 15, click this link to access the Zoom meeting:
    Join Zoom Meeting

  • Survey Now Available

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    CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
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    Bike Skills Area User Survey Now Available!

    On Monday, October 25, the City launched an online survey for bike riders that use the Bike Skills Area at Upper Luther Burbank Park.

    The information collected in the survey will be used by the City’s consultant (Action Sports Design) to tailor recommendations for the site to current uses and course user interests. Don’t delay though – the survey will close at 11:59 PM on November 4th.

    We look forward to hearing from you!