Election Certified, Parks Levy Implementation Underway

King County Elections officially certified the passage of Proposition 1 (the parks levy) on November 29, with a result of 64.27% in favor of the measure. As a result of the passage of Prop 1, City Council approved an updated 2023 – 2024 budget inclusive of the revenue and goals of the parks levy on December 6th.

The parks levy will continue to fully fund the operation and maintenance of Luther Burbank Park, while also supporting operations and maintenance of all other parks, athletic facilities, and open space across Mercer Island.

The new parks levy includes additional funding for forest management at Pioneer Park and Engstrom Open Space. Over the next two years the City will enroll an additional 13 acres in comprehensive multi-year weed and ivy removal, in addition to continued follow-up treatment of 10 acres enrolled in 2022. City staff anticipate planting 900 trees and shrubs through 2024.

Finally, the City plans to use playground replacement parks levy funding over the next two years to replace play equipment at Deane’s Children’s Park and Roanoke Park. Community outreach and design will begin in early 2023, with construction continuing through 2024.