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 72nd Place and SE 74th Place. Tarywood is very convenient to shopping, schools, parks, equestrian facilities, and the Mercer Island Country Club.

By Ken Urman

Ken Urman is a full-time Realtor with more than 20 years experience, and is
ranked among the top performers in his profession. He lives in Mercer Island,
WA. and serves Mercer Island and the communities around Lake Washington. Buyers and Sellers benefit from the power of his experience, professionalism, and
perseverance in achieving their real estate goals. Learn why Ken is a better
choice for your real estate needs at www.kenurman.com