With more than 35 athletic fields and courts, biking and hiking trails, fitness centers, playgrounds and water sports-oriented parks, Mercer Island, Washington provides visitors and residents with plenty of opportunities to exercise, get in shape and enjoy the outdoors. The variety of activities ensures that there is something to do for all active types and ages during every season of the year.
Childrens' Playgrounds
Making a healthy lifestyle part of your daily routine starts from a young age. When the slides, steps, swings and jungle gyms are available for climbing and playing, children have the opportunity to be more active. The Mercer Island Parks and Recreation department features 10 play structures in parks around the island, encouraging children to be active and outdoors, creating a lasting habit of daily outdoor activity.
Ball Fields
Mercer Island's public ball fields are used seasonally by local high school and recreational athletic clubs. During the summer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball fields are all available for league play at the city's four athletic field areas. These team sports train different parts of your body and require the development of different reflexes and muscles, requiring each player to maintain a peak level of fitness. In the fall, all fields are dedicated to soccer, perhaps the most demanding physical sport of all. Field areas of Park on the Lid are open for sporting practice or independent play throughout the sporting seasons, but in the winter months all fields close except a turf field at South Mercer Playfields.
Courts
Basketball and tennis courts are open for public play in several parks throughout the city. You can play a good pickup game or even plan a game night with friends to get in a good outdoor workout while socializing. You can play beach volleyball, a good way of training your legs and calves, at Groveland Beach Park.
Biking and Hiking
Many of Mercer Island's parks have hiking and biking trails. These individual or group activities can provide personal fitness and training while allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the island's setting. Surrounded by forest and wildlife, you will find yourself re-energized by the freshness in the air and the thrill of being lost in pockets of wilderness.
Swimming
Beach parks around the island also create opportunities for swimming, a low-impact, high-aerobic sport. The tides, waves and winds can highly influence the condition of the water, however. It is not advisable to swim without a lifeguard on duty and a swimming partner.
Indoor Community Center
A drop in temperature or inclement weather is no reason to give up sporting and fitness. Mercer Island plans open gym and sporting times at the community center to give athletes an opportunity to stay in shape even when the outdoor parks are unavailable. Planned times for badminton, volleyball and pickleball are all posted on the city's website. The facility also includes an indoor playground for your little ones.
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