Level A parks are well manicured and the grass is mowed, weeded and fertilized regularly. Parks staff make sure the trails are clear, and bathrooms are maintained daily. Level A parks include Aubrey Davis Park (Lid, Boat Launch, Outdoor Sculpture Garden, I-90 Trail), Mercerdale Park, Homestead Park, Island Crest Park, South Mercer Playfields, IMS sports field, MICEC grounds, and Luther Burbank Park.

 

Level B parks are mowed less often and receive regular but not daily garbage service. These include Rotary Park, Pioneer Park, First Hill Park, Roanoke Park, Secret Park, Clarke and Groveland Beach Parks, Ellis Pond, and Slater Park. 

 

Level C parks meet basic safety standards and receive maintenance visits from staff every few weeks, but lack garbage and restroom service. Level C parks include Calkins Landing, Clise Park, Proctor Landing, and 18 other street end parks.

 

In the 2014 citizen survey, 88% of residents surveyed rated the city's maintenance of parks, trails and open space positively. "To have so many Level A and B parks in such a small community is unusual," says Parks director Bruce Fletcher. "It's part of the great quality of life on Mercer Island. My hope is that we'll continue to maintain our high park standards in the future." 

 

With a staff of 30, the department maintains 460 acres of  parks and open space and 30 miles of trails, operates the city's sports fields and playgrounds, oversees the  Mercer Island Community and Event Center, and delivers 150  recreational programs and events per year.