Rotary’s second annual “Rake and Roll” brings community and fun to Rotary Park
Published 2:36 pm Monday, October 27, 2025
The Rotary Club of Mercer Island hosted its 2nd annual “Rake and Roll” event at Rotary Park on Sunday, Oct. 26, celebrating fall and the beginning of the holiday season in a very Pacific Northwest way — raking golden and crimson leaves in the wind and rain.
This year’s event drew strong participation from both new and longtime members, including families, friends, and neighbors. “Even in the rainy weather, Rake and Roll brought our community together – people of all ages laughing, creating, and turning piles of leaves into works of art. Sponsored by the Mercer Island Rotary Club, it was a wonderful reminder of how a little teamwork and imagination can brighten even the grayest day,” said Pat Turner, a longtime Rotarian.
“What could be more challenging than convincing preteens to rake leaves in the rain on a Sunday afternoon?” joked one member. “But once the donuts arrived, so did the kids.”
It turned out to be a great mix of family fun and community service. John Hamer, the chair of the Rotary Park and Playground Committee who’s leading the fundraising for an accessible Dragon Park playground, said, “We did this last year spontaneously. We had so much fun we decided to do it again. We were blown away by the great community reaction and creative designs, including the big Rotary seal and MIHS letters. Now all the leaves will be blown away. Stop by to see it this week!”
For more information about upcoming community events and Rotary’s work supporting the Dragon Park renovation project, visit mirotary.org.
