Clarke and Groveland Beach Parks Joint Park Planning Effort
Tucked into two Mercer Island neighborhoods, Clarke and Groveland Beaches are much-loved public waterfront parks. Both sites were developed in the 1960s and 1970s, and their waterfront infrastructure and other park facilities are aging. To plan for the future of these parks, the City engaged The Berger Partnership, a leading landscape architecture and urban design firm that has partnered on many Mercer Island projects.
From August 2023 to December 2024, the project team conducted site assessments and community engagement to learn about the existing conditions and current uses of each park. This background informed the development of design concepts that will be shared with the community in Fall 2025. Community input will be used to refine the designs into a preferred concept for each park, which will be presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council in early 2026 for review and adoption.
Follow along here on Let’s Talk to learn about community engagement opportunities and to stay updated on the planning process.
Announcements Tile
Videos
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Staff presented early community input on the concept alternatives for each park and sought Commission feedback on the concepts. (Discussion begins at 10:24.)
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Learn about the existing conditions at Clarke Beach Park, then walk through three design concepts developed with community input. After you review the concepts, provide your feedback in our survey here: https://letstalk.mercergov.org/clarke-groveland-planning/surveys/cgip-concepts-survey
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In this presentation, Jordan Zlotoff from Berger Partnership provides an overview of the existing conditions at Groveland Beach Park, then walks through three design concepts developed with community input. After you review the concepts, share your feedback in our survey: https://letstalk.mercergov.org/clarke-groveland-planning/surveys/cgip-concepts-survey
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The Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed the findings from the site assessments and background survey as well as received updates about the approved planning approach and anticipated project timeline. (Discussion begins at 16:13 in the recording.)
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The City Council received an overview of the planning process, including findings from the site assessments and background survey, and approved the recommended planning approach to develop a Joint Park Infrastructure Plan for Clarke and Groveland Beach Parks. (Discussion begins at 01:44:07 in the recording.)
Who's Listening
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Chief of Operations
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Deputy Public Works Director
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Phone 206-275-7864 Email sarah.bluvas@mercerisland.gov
Please consider using as many natural elements as possible for Clarke Beach to keep its natural feel. Less cement steps, more sitting logs, etc.
I'm not sure if my comments went to the right area- they might have gone to the guestbook instead of this comment area for Groveland & Clarke Beach.
Points being - volleyball court is frequently utilized at Groveland! Would be great to see it in future.
Removing bulkheads at Groveland & Clarke Beach - I understand why bulkheads need to be removed but fear blackberries & ivy will take over native plantings and city will need to frequently maintain new plantings. (Caulkins plantings & invasive species are overgrown & small area at north end of Groveland overgrown as examples).
Groveland proposed ADA accessible deck & overlook would be great but will be costly to maintain over time.
I agree with the comment about volleyball court at Groveland. It is frequently in use throughout spring and summer, would be nice to keep.
I understand need to remove old cement bulkheads at Groveland and Clarke Beach, replacing them with sustainable plantings, sandy beds for fish, ecologically positive landscaping but I fear native plantings will be quickly overtaken by blackberries/ivy. This is happening at Caulkins landing and I question whether city funding will continue for maintenance/removal of invasive species.
Proposed ADA accessible deck & overlook at Groveland will need lots of maintenance overtime - decks under tree canopy become slippery/moss covered/etc. during fall & winter seasons.
Could you please keep the beach volleyball court at Groveland Park. This is the highlight of the park for teens alongside the swimming. Could this be part of the teen hangout section?
What plan got approved for Groveland Beach Park