FAQs

The City received grant funding totaling $193,000 through the King County Parks Capital and Open Space Program to support design and construction of the sport courts renovation. Additional funds come from the King County Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy, the City's Capital Improvement Fund, and available American Rescue Plan Act funds. A total budget of $545,000 was approved for this project in the 2023-2024 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Program. On May 7 and September 3, the Mercer Island City Council approved additional appropriations to complete construction, including funds to remediate the subgrade failure uncovered in July. (AB 6465, AB 6533). The current project budget is $1,186,102.

While they are permanently striped for tennis currently, the Luther Burbank Park sport courts are a multiuse facility that can be used for tennis, pickleball, basketball, roller hockey, and other sports/activities played on a paved surface. When the courts are renovated, the facility will continue to be operated as a first-come, first-served, multiuse facility. However, the courts will only be permanently striped for pickleball play.  

The courts closed on May 21 to prepare for construction, and work began in early June. In July, the project team learned that the existing subgrade had failed, and construction was suspended while a plan for subgrade remediation could be developed and approved. Construction resumed on September 3, and the courts are on track to open for pickleball play in October 2024 (weather-permitting). Weekly construction updates are posted on Let's Talk.

While the Luther Burbank Park courts are closed, community members can play pickleball at the following City facilities: 

• Mercer Island Community and Event Center: Up to 6 indoor courts during specific drop-in hours; view the schedule here.
• Island Crest Park: 2 permanent tennis courts / 4 temporary pickleball courts; first-come, first-served play, and shared facility rules are posted on-site.