New trail on North end

Mountains to Sound Greenway, along with the Washington Conservation Corps and Mercer Island trails specialist Justin Howell, are working on a new trail that will run parallel to 84th Avenue S.E. in Upper Luther Burbank Park. The quarter-mile trail was originally identified in the city’s Luther Burbank Park Master Plan. The Citizen Advisory Committee labeled it a “high priority project” within the 2008 Parks and Open Space Levy. Funding for the project comes from the 2007 King County Parks and Regional Trails Levy.

Island Boy Scout Jared Thomas, who is a member of Mercer Island Troop 457, will be leading a group of 20-30 local volunteers to complete the final 200 feet of the trail.

The trail will provide an alternative to walking in the roadway for pedestrians going to and from downtown along 84th Avenue.

Recycle Center closes

The Mercer Island School District has announced that the Recycle Center, located next to Mercerdale Park, will close on Feb. 28.

The center is on city property and has been operated by the Mercer Island School District through the help of volunteers. In order to determine the future of the site, the community will be invited to participate in upcoming meetings to share ideas and suggestions.