Our Story

The history of a spirited community.

From its origin in 1952, the Mercer Island Beach Club has been grounded in a spirit of community. Taking advantage of a choice parcel of abandoned property previously used as the Seattle Central Lions Club summer camp for youth in the 1930’s, 400 local families each pitched in $100 and rolled up their sleeves to ready the land to house our private, membership-driven community. On July 17,1954, the Articles of Incorporation were signed and through member contributions, the Mercer Island Beach Club was born. When the final deed was inked on April 15, 1954, the Club was ahead of its time, operating as a non-discriminatory club for 500 Mercer Island families.

1957 welcomed the inaugural season of the Mercer Island Beach Club swim team. Under the leadership of John Goode, it celebrated an undefeated season. Decades later, the Club continues to lead the region in aquatic competition, which is always accompanied with a healthy dose of camaraderie and cheer.

In the early sixties, the Club was thriving, and its member-owners approved significant capital improvements. In 1965, noted architect Paul Hayden Kirk was commissioned to design the Club’s clubhouse and on July 23, 1966, a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated “a dream come true”. The new facility included a heated pool, clubhouse, four tennis courts, playground, and boating facilities. Local newspapers boasted “The Beach Club is the one of the most complete facilities in the area.” The Club operated seasonally with off-season entertaining and dances in the clubhouse. As demand grew, two additional tennis courts were built in 1971. The late 80s and early 90s brought improvements to the waterfront landscape and concessions.

In 2003, commemorating its 50th anniversary, the Club embarked on a Renewal Project refreshing the facility. On June 30, 2006, thanks to the input and work of dozens of member volunteers, the Club re-opened with a new facility, full-time staff, and year-round operating plan. Improvements included major seismic upgrades as well as the construction of a fitness center, locker rooms, eight-lane competition pool, activity pool equipped with a lazy river and children’s playground.

The Club continues to manage a strategic capital plan to maintain and improve its facilities for member enjoyment today and for years to come. In 2021, a newly renovated fitness center re-opened with state-of-the-art equipment while maintaining its spectacular views Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier. In 2023, the Clubhouse Lounge re-opened providing members a lake-house living amenity perfect for spending time with family & friends, entertaining guests and stepping up the work-from-home environment. Closing out 2023, a complete pool renovation was executed by Myrtha Pools, world leader in commercial, hospitality and leisure pool construction.  

Currently underway is the Shoreline Development project including a focus on the marina, swim dock and waterfront. We look to the future endowed with the spirit of our original members. A communal, family culture building on a strong history to continue its cherished legacy for generations to come.