With spring bringing sunnier weather, it’s time to get out and enjoy Mercer Island parks again – and one of our favorites is Island Crest Park.
Located toward the south end of Mercer Island just past Island Park Elementary school, Island Crest Park is favorite destination for outings with kids, walks in the woods, and recreational and athletic activities, including baseball, football, soccer, tennis, and cross-country running.

I walk through this park several times a week. It provides a shortcut for my boys on their walk from our house to school. We’re also drawn to high school baseball games and cross-country meets that take place here.

Similar to Pioneer Park, it’s mostly wooded with a well-trodden trail system. In the center of the park, you can feel secluded in nature, but it’s not so big that you’ll ever feel lost.

Learn more about the park’s unique features below, the beloved local dragon, as well as the City of Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department’s fundraising campaign for an Island Crest Park renovation project.

Island Crest Park Features & Highlights

Features and highlights of the Island Crest Park include:

• Two full-size baseball fields, used as home field by the High School’s JV and Varsity teams
• A football field
• A soccer field
• Barbecue areas
• Restrooms
• Batting Cages
• Concession Stand
• Two Tennis Courts
• Field Lights
• Plenty of Parking
• Extensive trail system
• 1800 + hours of playing time booked each year
• 75+ baseball & softball teams play annually
• 30+ soccer & football teams play annually
• Popular venue for local and regional tournaments

Island Crest Park Renovation Project

The Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department is currently raising final funds toward a park renovation project that includes replacing the existing light system and converting the south baseball field to synthetic turf.
The funds for this $2.3 million project have come primarily from the City of Mercer Island. In 2014, the Parks & Recreation Department secured a $500,000 grant through the Recreation & Conservation Office, which requires $150,000 in donations from the community. Fundraising is currently underway, and community members are invited to contribute.

Learn more about Island Crest Park renovation project on the City of Mercer Island website >>

Deane’s Children’s Park, aka “Dragon Park”

If you haven’t explored Deane’s Children’s Park, aka “Dragon Park,” located next to the tennis courts and fields of Island Crest Park, you’re missing a treasure.

The playground and sculptural dragon in this park are among the most popular play spaces on Mercer Island. Generations of children who grew up on the island fondly remember playing at Dragon Park.

The dragon was replaced in 2013 by a new, larger sculpture by the original artist, Kenton Pies. There is a slide off the dragon’s tail, and children can climb across its back and into its belly through its mouth or side openings. Kids will also have fun playing on the castle playground as well as on swings and a climbing rock nearby.

This is a great park to play at during hot summer days due to the park’s shaded setting.

Learn more about Deane’s Children’s Park >>

Adventure Playground

A summer program, Adventure Playground is also located at Island Crest Park.  It’s a one-of-a-kind play area, where kids can build tree houses and forts with supplied tool boxes, boards, nails, hammers, and other equipment. The result is a “build-it-yourself play zone” and is especially popular with older kids. Children younger than 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult, and closed-toe, hard-soled shoes are required.

Learn more about Adventure Playground >>

Is Island Crest Park one of your favorite local park? Share your favorite park activities and memories with us in the comments!