Special to the Reporter
The renovated playground at First Hill Park — featuring the new Alpha Tower 20-foot-tall climbing structure with two slides — is now open at 2975 72nd Ave. SE.
This project is the second playground replacement completed using funding generated by the parks levy passed by voters in 2022. The playground design was shaped by community input collected in 2024 through surveys and engagement on Let’s Talk.
Along with the Alpha Tower — which is now the tallest play structure in the city’s playground system — the renovation also added swings, a log tunnel, mushroom steppers and acorn seats, “creating a fun and cohesive play space for children ages 2–12,” according to the city.
Over the coming months, crews will complete final touches such as adding permanent park and playground signage and improving right-of-way parking along Southeast 32nd Street. Vegetation around the play area will be restored later this year.
UTILITY RATES UPDATE
After the Mercer Island City Council adopted the 2026 Master Fee Schedule late last year, the city’s utility rates — effective Jan. 1 — have increased 8% for water, 4% for sewer and 6% for storm water services compared to 2025. These rate adjustments support generational reinvestment efforts to maintain this critical infrastructure, such as a new water supply pipeline currently in development, according to the city.
The city added that a key factor in setting 2026 rate updates was the significant rate increases implemented by external service providers, which are outside the city’s control. Mercer Island’s drinking water is provided by Seattle Public Utilities, and the city’s sewer system connects to King County Metro Sewer regional conveyance system. Combined, fees from these external service providers account for 32% of the total utility bill for a typical Mercer Island household.
Every fall, city staff meet with the Utility Board to review, and if needed, update utility rates for these services. Rates are based on the full cost to operate, maintain and reinvest in the Island’s utility systems. Staff and the Utility Board evaluate the adequacy of current rates to support near-term operating costs and long-term capital needs while minimizing the financial burden on current and future utility customers.
BOARDS & COMMISSION RECRUITMENT
Mercer Island City Council is recruiting volunteers to fill vacant positions on the Arts Council and the Open Space Conservancy Trust. According to the city, volunteers provide valuable service to the city’s boards and commissions and help shape the Island’s future on important issues. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 20 at: https://tinyurl.com/bdhdj62r
