Join a “Rake and Roll” event at Rotary Park on Oct. 26 | Hamer

By John Hamer, For the Reporter • October 11, 2025 7:00 am
A scene from last year’s Rake and Roll at Rotary Park. Courtesy photo
A scene from last year’s Rake and Roll at Rotary Park. Courtesy photo

When I started writing a regular column here about three years ago, I promised to write only about positive things happening on Mercer Island. For the most part, I’ve done that.

My last two columns, about the sex-abuse scandal at Mercer Island High School, were an exception. This week I’m back to promoting a fun community event — and you’re all invited.

On Sunday, Oct. 26, from noon to 4 p.m., the Rotary Club of Mercer Island (mirotary.org) will hold our 2nd annual “Rake and Roll” event at Rotary Park.

We’ll rake colorful leaves into creative patterns — spirals, mazes, faces, etc. Last year we created some truly extraordinary designs using leaves, branches and vines. All natural and organic!

Families are welcome. Bring kids and grandkids, neighbors, and friends of all ages and abilities. Rotary Park is fully accessible and inclusive. Park on streets around 88th and 44th, near MI Library and St. Monica’s.

Please bring your own rakes and gloves. No noisy leaf blowers — this is an aerobic raking event. Dress for any weather, rain or shine. Coffee, donuts, snacks, and water will be provided.

“Dragon Designs” are especially welcome this year. Why? Because our Rotary Parks and Playgrounds Committee is in a “Friends of Dragon Park” coalition to support the city’s planned renovation of that iconic site. After lots of public input, a great design plan is now being finalized for approval by the Parks Commission and City Council. A prime goal is to make that aging playground (Deane’s Children’s Park) as accessible and inclusive as possible. But the Dragon itself also needs some work, and extra dollars will be needed.

Donations of any amount are currently welcome to our “Friends of Dragon Park” fund (sponsored by MI Rotary Foundation, so tax-deductible). Our target goal is to raise $98,040. Other coalition members are MI Preschool Association, MI Chinese Association, Moms4SafeMI, and Friendship Circle.

In these times of trouble, we just want to have some fun — so let’s all turn over some new leaves. You’ll be blown away!

John Hamer (jhamer46@gmail.com) is a former Seattle Times editorial writer and columnist who has lived on Mercer Island for 25 years. He has four young grandchildren and helped support the renovation of Mercerdale “Train” Park three years ago.