Council Begins Discussions on Parks Levy Renewal

June 7, 2022 - The City of Mercer Island parks system is currently supported by an annual parks levy - this levy provides just over $980,000 in funding for parks operations and maintenance, in addition to capital projects. The current levy, approved in 2008, is set to expire at the end of 2023.

During their June 7 regular meeting, City Council discussed options to renew the parks levy. City Manager Jessi Bon, who led the parks levy presentation, recommended placing the levy renewal on the November 8, 2022 ballot - a full year ahead of the expiration of the current levy.

“The City adopted the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan earlier this year, which provides us the strategic guidance to prepare the levy renewal,” Bon said. “The current parks levy funded critical reinvestments in the parks system over the past 13 years, and the Island benefited greatly from the community's investment and support through the parks levy.”

The current parks levy funds the maintenance and operation of Luther Burbank Park in addition to supporting operations at all City parks, open spaces, trails, and recreation facilities. The current levy also funds capital projects at Luther Burbank Park, Pioneer Park, and open space areas across Mercer Island.

Bon’s recommendation to Council includes a base levy renewal, which proposes to continue the current parks levy to sustain maintenance and investments.

Council also discussed two funding options in addition to the base levy proposal: additional funding to support playground replacement projects, and increasing funding to support long-term Pioneer Park restoration work.

You can view the Council discussion on the parks levy renewal as well as the Council Packet materials online.

Council will continue their discussion on the parks levy renewal at the June 21, 2022 meeting.