Most mornings, the crisp, cold air tempts me to stay under the warmth of my blankets. But I know better. Living in a tucked-away corner of Mercer Island, I wake to views of the water, surrounded by trees, as I set out on the day’s journey. My connection to nature is ever-present, and the thought of stepping onto the water to row is no longer just a dream—it’s becoming a reality.
For many islanders, the ritual of leaving home in the early hours to row at boathouses off-island has long been a part of life. Many of our youth train in programs before and after school along the shores of distant clubs. Now Mercer Island, with its 14.7 miles of stunning shoreline, is ready to embrace rowing closer to home—if the vision of the Mercer Island Rowing Club becomes a reality.
A Community Vision Takes Shape
Beginning in 2026, Mercer Island Rowing Club, in partnership with the City, plans to launch a program at Luther Burbank Park. The effort began in 2023. Leading this ambitious effort is island resident, Lauren Alexander, whose dedication and vision are driving the club forward. Inspired by the values of rowing—discipline, teamwork, and rhythm—Lauren began building a foundation by reaching out to leaders in the rowing community for guidance and support.
The rowing community has embraced the initiative, sharing the belief that “all boats rise.” A retiring rowing club in Alaska donated a trailer and three boats, while Pocock Rowing Center (immortalized in The Boys in the Boat) has lent its expertise and encouragement. Mercer Island Parks & Recreation has also enthusiastically joined the effort. With a roadmap in place, the focus now shifts to rallying support from the Mercer Island community.
The Art and Athleticism of Rowing
Rowing is unlike any other sport—a harmonious blend of precision, rhythm, and connection with the water. The boat moves as one with the lake, requiring balance not just within the rower but among teammates, the oars, and the vessel itself. The goal is to glide forward with the least resistance, achieving an effortless speed that belies the immense effort required.
This interdependence fosters a meditative state, a zen-like focus where the mind and body align. The rhythmic strokes become an anchor, silencing the noise of the world. The gentle splash of the oars, the gliding motion of the boat, and the rower’s immersion in the moment create a profound sense of athletic joy.
Then comes the regatta—a vibrant contrast to the serenity of practice. The stillness gives way to the electric energy of competition. Crowds cheer, oars churn, and adrenaline surges as rowers push their limits to the rhythm they’ve perfected. The connection to the water remains, amplified by the collective excitement of supporters and the drive to excel.
For Lauren Alexander, this mix of excitement and peace is why she may want to make this sport more accessible to people on the island. Having rowed as a teen and throughout her college years, she knows firsthand the transformative power of the sport. Now, she’s channeling that passion into building a rowing community right here on Mercer Island.
The Mercer Island Rowing Club represents more than just a new sport; it’s an opportunity to bring islanders together, celebrate our connection to the water, and create something lasting for generations to come. This is why I am supporting this project. I am the non-rower who wakes before sunrise to work out and look forward to getting into a boat off the Mercer Island shoreline.
If this vision resonates with you, consider joining the effort—whether as a participant, supporter, or contributor. - Diane Tien, MI Rowing Club Board Member
To learn more or get involved, visit mirowingclub.org
The vision is to start small and grow organically, cultivating a rowing program, and a space where islanders can connect with the water, embrace the sport’s meditative essence, and enjoy the thrill of regattas.