Get to Know the Tarywood Community

This is the fifth installment in a series about the communities of Mercer Island and the areas surrounding Lake Washington. 
 
The Tarywood neighborhood, on the south end of Mercer Island, has a long and interesting history. When first platted in 1955, the community was called the Tarywood Forest Addition sub-division.

The area was used for more than 20 years before it became a sub-division. In 1933, the local Girl Scout Council established Camp Tarywood in this area. The camp included a lodge, tent platforms, and cabins. It became a Brownie resident camp later. The area next became home to the prestigious Mercer Island High School humanities program. 

The best-known part of the neighborhood is the Tarywood Park development. The neighborhood retains some of the forest foliage throughout the neighborhood and fosters the natural beauty of the area. Homes in Tarywood Park are typically of the Buchan or Hammond architectural style, known for a northwest contemporary feel. Streets are level and popular play areas for the children. With little car traffic through the neighborhood, one often sees children playing games in the streets in front of their homes.

The Tarywood community extends to East Mercer Way, and ends at Clark Beach Park, which was once art of Camp Tarywood. The park is grassy, and has docks, a swim beach, and picnic and barbecue areas. Eagles regularly nest in the wooded tree areas around Clark Beach and Tarywood.

Tarywood Trail connects Island Crest Way with East Mercer Way and Clarke Beach Park. Reportedly, construction of a new house totally obliterated the trail. However, later reports say the owner of the new house rebuilt the right-of-way into “a very nice trail with his own labor.”

Residents of the Tarywood community often speak about the terrific July Fourth parades that were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The community organized and held these parades, which popular with children and families in the area. 

Tarywood is an ideal Mercer Island Location, just east of Island Crest and accessed primarily via SE 72^nd Place and SE 74^th Place. Tarywood is very convenient to shopping, schools, parks, equestrian facilities, and the Mercer Island Country Club.

Photos by Ken Urman

 

Get to Know the Ellis Pond Community

One Mercer Island community has a pond as its centerpiece. The Ellis Pond Community is located mid-island, with trails and streets leading to a four-acre pond and city park. It is located on 90th Ave SE, between SE 47th and SE 45th St. The community moves out a few blocks in every direction with quick access to the park. A trail system also connects 89th Ave SE to 90th Ave SE.

Ellis Pond community has only a small number of homes, many on large lots. The area is very desirable, primarily due to the nearby pond, mid-island location, attractive homes, and proximity to schools and library. Home ownership in the Ellis Pond community tends to be very stable. For example, in the last year, only two homes were sold.

 

Long ago, the Ellis Pond probably was carved out by retreating ice. Today, storm water and several perpetual springs feed the pond. Water is always there, but with much during wetter periods.

The park itself has footpaths adjacent to the pond and an elevated 208' wooden boardwalk trail through the wetlands. Many bird and animal species can be found year around in the habitat defined by the park and the pond, making it a terrific area for bird watching. One recent visitor commented Ellis Pond was the "Cutest duck pond I've seen."

Ellis Pond benefits from the care provided by its community; local neighbors have been stewards of the pond for many years and have helped plant native trees and shrubs. The Ellis Pond community often holds work parties and when the work is complete, they have been known to gather for potlucks -- not a block party, but rather a pond party! Ellis Pond on Mercer Island is always a lovely place to walk, relax and enjoy.

 

If you would like to learn more about the Ellis Pond community or you are interested in buying or selling a home in this area, please contact Ken Urman at 206-230-0833 or visit my website.