New Bike Skills Area at Deane's Children's Park

This project is complete. Please visit the Bike Skills Area page on the city website for maintenance, closure, and other information. 

• BSA Operations Update: Things to Know Heading into Thanksgiving Weekend

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  The new Bike Skills Area (BSA) opened on November 15. Thank you to all the community members who joined the City Council, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and City staff to celebrate the new facility with a ribbon cutting event.

  With clear weather sticking around through the holiday weekend, City staff anticipate the BSA will be busy! Here are a few updates and reminders about facility operations.

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  Using the East and West Trails to Enter the BSA

  Two new access trails are open to enter the BSA:

  • East entrance from Island Crest Way
  • West entrance next to the Island Crest Park tennis courts

  
  

  Please use one of these two entrances whenever possible instead of the paved path from the Deane’s Children’s Park parking lot, which is meant to be used as an ADA-accessible path only for the BSA. The Island Crest Park parking lot offers plenty of space for unloading/loading and is a short walk to the West entrance of the BSA.

  
  

  Walking in the BSA

  Speaking of trails, the East and West access trails are open for walking, but pedestrians, dogs, motorized vehicles, and other non-bikes are not allowed on trails or features inside the BSA. Keeping the course to peddle bikes-only helps maintain the dirt/gravel berms, jumps, and other features that were built for the course and support the manufactured features.

  Need to dismount and walk your bike back to the start hub? No problem! Just make sure you pull off the bike trail and stay out of the way of other riders on the course. Looking for a new trail to train for your next 5k? Please use one of the City’s trail systems that are open to walkers and runners.

  The one exception for pedestrians at the BSA is inside the Bicycle Playground area, where walkers are allowed when assisting less-experienced riders.

  
  

  Upcoming Maintenance on the Green Line

  Now that the BSA is open, the City’s Parks Operations team manages the facility, overseeing maintenance and repairs to ensure the course is safe to ride. The team has observed that the ground anchors securing the wood berm turns on the Green Line are a bit loose. Out of an abundance of caution and to prevent further damage, the City is temporarily closing the Green Line while staff work with the contractor to fix this issue. Staff will notify the community as soon as possible once the Green Line is ready to ride again.

  Additional closures and site tweaks may take place over the next several months as the Parks Operations team gets to know the site. When closures need to happen, signage will be posted on-site. If a closure will last more than a few days, staff will also post information on the new BSA webpage on the City’s website:

  www.mercerisland.gov/bikeskillsarea

  
  

  Reporting Course Damage and Other Maintenance Needs

  See an issue on the course? Report needs to the City online or through the MI-Connect app (Apple | Android).

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  Thank you to the community members of all ages who have enjoyed the BSA so far! Questions about this information? Contact Sarah Bluvas at sarah.bluvas@mercerisland.gov.

• Update on Island Crest Park Trail Counts

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  The City began conducting trail counts in Island Crest Park (ICP) in April to better understand trail usage before the opening of the new Bike Skills Area. This post summarizes the counting methodology and presents general findings from counts conducted through the end of October 2023.

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  Trail Counting Process

  Weekdays

  City staff and volunteers conducted ICP trail counts on six weekdays in 2023: April 13, May 17 and 18, August 17, September 21, and October 19. Shifts were scheduled 10-11am, 3:30-4:30pm, and 5:30-6:30pm. (Note: One August weekday shift was canceled due to excessive heat, and some September and October shifts were not filled due to low volunteer/staff availability.)

  Weekday counters were stationed at the trail entrance next to the ICP tennis courts (Trail Entrance) and at the bottom of the hill where several trail sections intersect (Trail Intersection).

  They recorded five data points on their counting sheets:

  • Weather conditions
  • Type of trail user: Bike, Pedestrian, Other (scooters, wheelchairs, etc.)
  • Age: Under 5, 5-18, Above 18 (counter’s best guess)
  • Dogs: Off-leash, Leashed
  • At the trail entrance ONLY: Whether users entered the trail system or exited the trail system via that trailhead.

  
  

  Weekends

  Staff also collected trail usage on Saturday, September 23, and Saturday, October 21. Shifts were scheduled 9-10am, 12-1pm, and 3-4pm (only the 9am count on September 21 took place due to excessive rain). Since only one person counted for each weekend shift, the counter was stationed at the Trail Intersection and recorded five data points on their counting sheets:

  • Weather conditions
  • Type of trail user: Bike, Pedestrian, Other (scooters, wheelchairs, etc.)
  • Age: Under 5, 5-18, Above 18 (counter’s best guess)
  • Dogs: Off-leash, Leashed
  • Hill /No Hill: This data point refers to whether the trail user was observed using the hill (walking up or down) that leads to the Trail Entrance.

  
  

  Counting Methodology

  On weekdays and weekends, each trail user was counted whenever they passed by a counting location. For example, if a pedestrian entered and exited through the Trail Entrance during a counting shift, that pedestrian was counted as 1 entered / 1 exited for that shift. This approach is consistent with approaches for manual trail counting used by American Trails, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and other national trail management and advocacy organizations.

  
  

  Trail Usage Observations

  • Pedestrian usage of the trails has exceeded bicycle usage of the trails during every count collected. The highest number of pedestrians using the trails was 28, observed at the Trail Intersection during the 5:30pm shift on May 18. During the same shift, 3 bicycles were counted at the Trail Intersection and 0 bicycles were counted at the Trail Entrance.
  • On weekdays, bicycles have most frequently been counted at the Trail Intersection. The highest number of bicycles using the trails was 12, observed at the Trail Intersection during the 3:30pm shift on October 19. During the same shift, 17 pedestrians were counted at the Trail Intersection and 12 pedestrians were counted at the Trail Entrance.
  • Weekend trail counts have also shown high trail usage by pedestrians but low usage by bicycles. The highest number of pedestrians using the trail was 23, observed at 9am on September 23 and 5:30pm on October 21.

  Totals for counts of all trail users observed during each day are available here.

  
  

  What next?

  The Bike Skills Area (BSA) opened to the public on November 15, and the City plans to continue conducting periodic trail counts throughout 2024 to quantify trail usage and evaluate changes in trail use patterns. Opportunities to volunteer for this data collection effort will be shared on the City’s website at www.mercerisland.gov/bikeskillsarea. In addition, maintenance staff will monitor trails for significant impacts to trail tread and perform repairs as needed. Park users are encouraged to report issues to the City via service request at www.mercerisland.gov/servicerequest.

• BSA Opens November 15!

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  Last week, the builders from American Ramp Company completed construction of the bike trails, jumps, and other features at the new Bike Skills Area (BSA). Join the City Council, Parks & Recreation Commission, staff, and fellow community members for a ribbon cutting and opening event on November 15!

  
  

  Bike Skills Area Grand Opening

  Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 3-4:30pm | Deane’s Children’s Park

  
  

  
  

  If construction is complete, why can’t the BSA open now?

  The City’s Parks Operations and Natural Resources teams still need to complete work to prepare the BSA to open to the community. This includes:

  • Finishing construction of the new split-rail fence that will enclose the BSA on the east perimeter;
  • Trimming tree branches and other minor tree work;
  • Installing bike park signage; and
  • Planting the vegetated buffer to separate the Island Crest Park trail and new BSA access trail next to the tennis courts.

  
  

  Construction fencing will remain up while this work is underway. Thank you for your patience while City staff work to safely open the BSA for the entire community to enjoy!

  
  

  Questions? Contact Sarah Bluvas at sarah.bluvas@mercerisland.gov.

• BSA Construction Underway

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  October 16 - The City’s contractor, American Ramp Company, has made steady progress at the new Bike Skills Area (BSA) over the last two weeks. Continue reading for updates on the work completed so far.

  
  

  Jumps and Features. Several wooden jumps and other features have been installed, including two wooden berm turns and a few tabletop jumps (Image 1 and Image 2). Most of the remaining features have been built and are staged on site to be installed on dry days.

  Trails. Crews are also making progress on new trails! The two new access trails from Island Crest Way (Image 3) and the Island Crest Park parking lot are almost finished. Some areas of the bike course trail have also been built. Crews are building the course from the back of the facility to the front, so most of the new bike course trails are at the north end of the facility.

  Fencing. A section of the new split-rail fencing (Image 4) that will enclose the BSA is also complete! Many thanks to a local Eagle Scout for building the fence earlier this month. The Parks team will finish the rest of the fence as construction on the bike course nears completion.

  Image 1. A wooden berm turn installed on the Intermediate Jump Line.

  Image 2. A tabletop jump installed on the Intermediate Jump Line.

  Image 3. The new access path from Island Crest Way was one of the first trails built for the site.

  Image 4. An Island resident completed a section of the new split-rail fence that will enclose the BSA as part of his Eagle Scout project.

  Stay tuned for another construction progress report soon! In the meantime, contact Sarah Bluvas at sarah.bluvas@mercerisland.gov with questions.

• BSA construction begins soon!

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  The City's contractor American Ramp Company begins mobilizing for construction of the new Bike Skills Area at Deane's Children's Park the week of October 2. During construction, some parking areas and access to the playground areas at Deane's may be limited at different times. Details about the potential impacts are provided below.

  
  

  
  

  Click above for a full-size image of the parking area closures.Deane's Children's Park parking area + main entrance to playground areas

  Most of the Deane's parking area, including the west exit and the path from the parking area to the tennis courts, will be closed during construction. Three parking stalls and the restroom facility will remain open but may need to close intermittently to accommodate deliveries. Additionally, access to the playground areas at Deane’s is limited to accommodate construction site access and traffic. This includes the paved path from the Deane’s parking area, which is currently fenced off as part of the BSA construction site.

  
  

  Island Crest Park lower parking area

  Most of the lower parking area for Island Crest Park will also be closed for construction staging. The upper parking lot will remain open during construction, but delays may occur as the contractor moves the features into the site for installation.

  
  

  
  

  Staff will continue to update Let’s Talk as construction continues. Stay tuned for progress photos and more details! Questions? Contact Sarah Bluvas at sarah.bluvas@mercerisland.gov.

• Permitting Update: CAR2 Approval + SEPA DNS

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  Today, the Community Planning and Development department issued approval of the Critical Areas Review 2 (CAR2) and a determination of non-significance (DNS) for SEPA for the Bike Skills Area project. The decisions are linked below for reference.

  • CAR2 Approval
  • SEPA Determination of Non-Significance

  Once the mandatory appeal period ends on September 25, the building permit will be issued, clearing the way for construction to begin. A construction timeline will be shared on Let's Talk when finalized, so stay tuned for more details!

• BSA Progress Updates for August 2023

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  Work continues to prepare for construction of the new Bike Skills Area at Deane’s Children’s Park. Here are a few highlights from progress over the last several weeks.

  
  

  Site Preparation

  The site for the BSA is looking great thanks to work by volunteers and Parks Maintenance staff, who have been cleaning up the area throughout the summer! You may have also noticed construction fencing around the project site; this was installed in July and will remain up through construction. Project awareness signs will also be posted soon. Volunteers are still needed to assist with mulching around trees before construction begins. Reach out to Jordan Fischer, jordan.fischer@mercerisland.gov, to volunteer!

  
  

  Permitting

  The comment period for the Critical Area Review 2 and SEPA Review closed on July 20, and the project team is awaiting a determination from the Community Planning and Development department. Details about the determination will be shared on Let’s Talk once issued.

  
  

  BSA Signage

  Staff reviewed BSA rules and other signage copy with WCIA, the City’s insurance provider, this month. The City is also creating new signage to post at trail entrances and other key locations in the Island Crest Park system. Those signs will be installed before the BSA opens.

  
  

  ICP Trail Counts

  Trail counts to better understand usage in Island Crest Park resume this month. If you see a volunteer or staff member in the park conducting counts, please say hello!

• Permitting Update: Comment on Critical Area Review 2 + SEPA Application

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  The application for the required Critical Area Review 2 and SEPA Review has been submitted, and the public comment period is now open. Community members are invited to review the application and submit comments to the Community Planning & Development department through July 20, 2023. View the application documents here, and then submit written comments in two ways:

  
  

  • E-mail comments to Andrew Leon, Planner, at andrew.leon@mercerisland.gov.
  • Mail comments to the City of Mercer Island, 9611 SE 36th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

  
  

  Reference File No. CAO23-010 & SEP23-013 in your correspondence.

• Work to Prepare the BSA Site for Construction is Underway

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  City staff and volunteers have begun preparing the former Adventure Playground site for construction of the new Bike Skills Area (BSA). Prep work includes:

  • Salvaging and repotting native plants for future replanting this fall
  • Removing ivy and other invasive species
  • Removing tree stumps and other ground impediments

  
  

  The new fence on the east side of the BSA will also be constructed this summer in collaboration with local Boy Scouts working toward their Eagle Scout rank.

  Interested in joining a volunteer event to prepare the site? Find details about upcoming events and the link to register here: https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/restoration-event-various-locations

  
  

• BSA Progress Updates for May 2023

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  Work to open a new Bike Skills Area (BSA) in Deane’s Children’s Park and improve safety in/around the Island Crest Park trail system continues. This post provides updates on the City’s progress.

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  Design

  Click the image for a fullscreen version of the design.

  Design updates made since the City met with community members at the end of March include:

  • Adding a vegetated buffer to the west access trail – This will separate users on the new bike park access trail and the existing trail into the Island Crest Park open space.
  • Removing the elevated tunnel from the bike park playground – A step down roller replaces the tunnel feature.

  
  

  Permitting & Construction

  Staff are completing the required Critical Areas Review and SEPA Checklist now, and information about ways to comment on these will be shared on Let’s Talk soon. Construction is planned for late summer/early fall, and restoration plantings will be installed through fall and winter.

  
  

  Volunteer Events

  Staff are coordinating volunteer events to remove dead/invasive vegetation and clear the BSA site in preparation for construction. Stay tuned to Let’s Talk for more details!

  
  

  Safety improvements installed on 84th Ave SE

  Trails in Island Crest Park

  Three painted bump outs and one painted crosswalk have been installed on 84^th Ave SE. Designed by the City’s Transportation Engineer, these road safety improvements intend to increase visibility of Island Crest Park trailheads and calm vehicle speeds on 84^th Ave SE. Parks Operations staff will be trimming vegetation along 84^th Ave SE this spring/summer to improve visibility as well. Additionally, staff and volunteers are conducting usage counts along the Island Crest Park trails. Data collection began in April and continued last week. Findings from the counts will establish a baseline of usage and help the City track changes in use after the BSA opens.

  
  

  Staff continue to review safety improvements for the trail system and will share updates on Let’s Talk when available.