The Mercer Island Learning Lab 4-year-olds visit the Mercer Island Care and Rehabilitation Center at 7445 24th Street once a month for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. They sing songs, read stories, use play dough and art materials with the residents. This intergenerational program was initiated by Gwen Lewis, a former teacher at Mercer Island High School some years ago. The Learning Lab has continued to carry out her idea of intergenerational learning.

This year, our visits have been interrupted by the construction zone around the care center. Until now, we have found parking in the Island Corporate Center lot. Often, parents stop in the Island Crust Cafe for a coffee on their way to the Care Center with their children. This week we were warned that all would be towed without warning. Our visit had to be canceled.

How sad that a building in our community could not welcome about 10 cars with 4-year-olds who were learning about another generation and bringing some joy into the residents’ lives.

The Learning Lab visits one Friday a month during the school year for 45 minutes. None of the adults involved has ever seen the Island Corporate Center parking lot full.

I realize that parking is difficult with all the construction zones in the business area, but couldn’t there be a few good neighbors who would share some parking on a short-term basis?

Another question to the city: Is there a plan for Island parking when construction moves into the business neighborhood?

Judy Witmer

Mercer Island Learning Lab teacher