Safe Streets and Roads For All (SS4A) Initiative: Sidewalk Maintenance Project Update

Phase 2 of the City’s Sidewalk Maintenance Project is underway. Contractors are continuing work across designated areas, removing damaged concrete and preparing for the installation of new sidewalks.

Construction Activity Report: October 23

Grace Management and Construction, the contractor for this project, is scheduled to pour and place new concrete at the following sites:

• Rhode Island Avenue (between Perry Street and 37th Street)
• 29th Street (between Taylor Street and Arundel Street)

In addition to concrete placement, crews are simultaneously conducting site preparation, including the removal of existing damaged concrete, in other zones ahead of new installations.

Parking Restrictions:
To prepare for the upcoming construction activity, no parking signs are posted on the following streets:

• Shepherd Street (between 29th and 33rd)
• 32nd Street (between Upshur and Rainier)
• 32nd Street (between Taylor and Shepherd)
• Windom Road (between 31st and 32nd)

Read more.

Newton Street Project Update

Construction on the Newton Street project is moving along with progress on the installation of the new micro-bio (MB) stormwater systems. These systems help capture and filter rainwater runoff from streets and sidewalks, reducing pollution and supporting improved stormwater management.

Completed:

• MB1 (Newton Street & Newton Place)
• MB2 (Newton & 34th Street, north side)

In Progress:

• MB3 (Newton & 34th Street, south side)

Next Steps:

Upon completion of all micro-bio stormwater systems, NZI Construction will proceed to the sidewalk bump-out along 37th Street. Coordination with ongoing WSSC water main work may result in adjustments, including the potential prioritization of sidewalk replacement along Newton Street.

Resident Advisory:

• Some minor delays have occurred due to nearby water main repairs by WSSC, which have affected traffic and parking.
• Construction crews are making efforts to allow residents to safely pass through the site when possible, though some inconvenience may still occur.

Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat

Get ready for a faBOOlous time! The Mount Rainier Halloween Parade and Trunk or Treat is this Saturday, October 25, at 5:30 PM  

Parade Route:
The fun begins at Richardson Park, then goes left on Varnum Street, left on 34th Street, and ends at the Thomas Stone Elementary School parking lot.

Temporary Street Closures for the Mount Rainier Halloween Parade

Temporary street closures will be in effect on Saturday, October 25, for the Mount Rainier Halloween Parade. 

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic as parade participants march from Richardson Park to Thomas S. Stone Elementary School between approximately 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM: 

• Richardson Park area (Parade starting point)
• Varnum Street
• 34th Street

Curbside Leaf Collection Begins Tuesday, Nov. 4

The City of Mount Rainier Public Works Department will begin curbside leaf collection on November 4, 2025, starting with the Red Zone.

This year, the collection will differ from the traditional collection schedule due to several upcoming city events and projects that require Public Works staff support. While the color-coded zones remain the same, residents will be notified one week in advance of the specific areas and streets scheduled for collection.

Residents are encouraged to prepare and place leaves at the curb as soon as they receive notice that collection is coming to their area. If large piles are already at the curb, crews will make every effort to collect them as soon as possible, even outside the announced schedule.

For questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (301) 985-6583 or email Victor Rivas at AdminPW@mountrainiermd.org

Read more.

34th Street Mural Arts Project Online Voting Now Open

Voting is now open for the City of Mount Rainier’s Department of Economic Development 34th Street Mural Arts Project! Community members and local businesses are invited to help select the winning design by voting for their top 5 favorite mural designs.

• Voting closes Friday, November 7
• One vote per email address
• Cast your vote.

Coat Drive

The City announces its annual Coat Drive to support residents in need during the colder months. Community members are encouraged to donate new and gently used winter coats, new socks, and mittens. All collected items will be distributed to local families and individuals facing hardship. To receive items or learn more about the program, please contact the Social Services Department at 202-579-5011 or socialservices@mountrainiermd.org. Donations may be dropped off at the City of Mount Rainier Police Department. 

Upcoming Events

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Community Emergency Response Team Meeting - Monday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.