Published December 18 2023
The City of Bellevue joined with key partners at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center recently to re-name the visitors center building on the site. The new name, Ellis Brothers Visitors Center, recognizes Bob, Jim and John Ellis, whose acts of service and civic engagement resulted in many important advancements and achievements in Bellevue and the region.
John Ellis and the late Jim Ellis were instrumental players in a long list of historic accomplishments across Puget Sound, including a cleanup of Lake Washington in the 1960s, key highway improvements, community swimming pools and the Mountains to Sound Greenway. John Ellis also helped spearhead the creation of Bellevue Downtown Park. These efforts led the City Council to initiate the name change.
City officials joined Ellis family members, friends and supporters on Dec. 9 for a renaming ceremony at the visitors center.
“The Ellis brothers profoundly impacted our city and region, directing their passions into bettering the community with cleaner air and water, and more parks and open space for future generations,” reads a new plaque at the visitors center. “Their dedication and service to our community provide an example for others to emulate, demonstrating the difference each person can make.”
The Ellis brothers devoted their lives to public service and pushed each other to make lasting contributions to the community. Bob Ellis, who was killed serving in the army during World War II and greatly influenced his brothers, is also honored in the facility’s new name.