The Mercer Island School District has several capital improvements to buildings and facilities underway this summer. Many of these projects are funded by the six-year capital projects and technology levy approved by Mercer Island voters in February 2016.

Safety and Security: Upgrades are being made to school entry areas at Island Park, Lakeridge and West Mercer elementary schools, replicating those already in place at Northwood. These improvements create a vestibule inside each of the school’s front entry, and then after checking in, office staff will admit the visitor to the building. Fire alarm upgrades are also being made at Island Park, Lakeridge and Islander Middle School.

42nd Street Path: Coordinating with the district’s partners at the city of Mercer Island, a new asphalt path will be created along the south side of Southeast 42nd Street from 88th Avenue Southeast to 90th Ave Southeast to improve safety for walkers to Northwood and the high school.

Islander Stadium (High School): Crews from FieldTurf have removed the worn playing surface and this week began installing the new one, which will use a cork infill. Once the turf is installed, work will begin on resurfacing the track around the field. Work is also underway in the adjacent bus lot that will create additional overflow seating on the west side of the track/field that is expected to be in place for the 2018-19 school year. A small amount of additional van and small bus parking is also being established by the work.

MIHS tennis courts: The six tennis courts have been resurfaced and now sport a green and blue color that has become the standard for competition. The courts are expected to reopen July 17.

Portables moved at Island Park: The old portables at the back of the school have been demolished and the two at the north end of the school have moved into their place. The west end of the field will be restored to create a larger playfield for students and the community.

For more, see www.mercerislandschools.org.