Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Hosts Open House Today

Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center will host an open house reception in the newest meeting venue in Seattle, the recently completed 2,700-square-foot community meeting room at the Center.

The open house is scheduled today (Saturday), Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Center, 3800 Lake Washington Blvd. S in Stan Sayers Memorial Park. Admission and parking are free of charge.

"Why is Mount Baker relevant for Islanders? Mount Baker is Mercer Island's place to row and sail," said Phil Defliese, President of the Mount Baker Boating Advisory Council, a not-for-profit that sponsors the programs at Mount Baker in partnership with Seattle's Department of Parks and Recreation. "About 20 percent of all participants at Mount Baker are Islanders and Islander Junior (High School) rowers make up about 30 percent of the 125 member team. Mercer Island Mayor Jim Pearman rows at Mount Baker as do I."

According to a City of Seattle Parks and Recreation press release, the beautiful upper floor meeting room and large view deck overlooking Lake Washington and the Cascades is the newest jewel in Seattle Parks and Recreation’s meeting room venues. Bathed in natural light and accented with hardwood finishes the room provides a warm, comfortable setting for receptions, parties, meetings, banquets and weddings.

“The room is such a cool space,” Defliese said. “Guests will enjoy the sweeping views, the glow of our gas fireplace, and the ambience of an active boathouse. We have a vintage wooden racing shell suspended overhead and views into the colorful sailboat bay below.”

The fully ADA compliant room also boasts an up-to-date audio visual system and a spacious and well-appointed caterer’s kitchen.

“We hope that many friends and neighbors will come down to the Center and join us for the open house” said Defliese.

The meeting room is the final element of a multi-year expansion program at the Center led by the volunteer Advisory Council. The room is available to the public for rent. For information, reservations and rates, click here, or call the facility Scheduling Office at (206) 684-7254. The room can be reserved one year in advance on a rolling calendar.