FAQs
Why does Deane’s Children’s Park need a Site Plan?
The playground structures at Deane’s Children’s Park were identified for early replacement in the 2023 – 2028 Parks Capital Improvement Program (Parks CIP). During early work on the playground replacement plan, staff identified Deane’s Children’s Park as a good candidate for ADA improvements and conversion to an inclusive playground, similar to the approach taken at Mercerdale Park. The topography of the play area is relatively flat, and the site is flexible, allowing equipment and structures to be reorganized to meet universal design principles (as they related to the playground environment). In addition to the playground replacement, the park includes a picnic shelter and storage shed at the end of its service life, and a small single-user restroom that is located outside of the play area and not easily accessible. Given the combination of these planning needs, staff made the decision to pause the playground replacement and pursue the development of a new Site Plan for Deane’s Children’s Park.
The Site Plan will address cohesive integration of the Bike Skills area and the playground structures, with the goal of modernizing the park area to meet universal design principles and create an inclusive playground environment. The plan will also address improvements to site circulation, restroom and picnic shelter replacement, parking, and other potential park improvements.
What is Universal Design and inclusive play?
Universal design is a process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). This approach lays the groundwork for inclusive playground design, creating environments where children of all abilities have an opportunity to play and recreate together.
Successful inclusive playground environments promote equitable use, offer flexibility, and are simple and intuitive, all while providing diverse opportunities that allow individuals to be independent and active within a space that is safe and comfortable (Creating Inclusive Playgrounds: A Playbook of Considerations and Strategies).
Will anything happen to Kenton's Dragon?
No, Kenton’s Dragon will remain in its current location at the park.
Will the existing trees be incorporated into the overall design? Will any trees be removed?
The existing trees will be incorporated into the design to the greatest extent feasible. If the new design requires any tree removal, the project team will follow tree permitting and replacement requirements as outlined in Mercer Island city code.
When will the Site Plan be built?
The Site Plan will identify the first phase of capital improvement work, including anticipated replacement of one or more playground structures. The project will advance through detailed design, permitting, and phased construction that is anticipated to take place from 2026 – 2027. The anticipated scope of improvements for Deane’s Children’s Park will likely exceed the initial budget allocation. Future capital improvements will be recommended for implementation in phases, to include continued opportunities for community fundraising and grants.
How can community members participate in the planning process?
The first community survey is now open and includes general questions about the park, feedback on the current park layout, inclusive design features that should be considered, and prioritization of playground equipment and general park amenities for future development. Take it here through May 12. Responses will inform site plan design concepts that will be shared with the community in July 2025. There will be a second round of community engagement later this summer to gather input on the design concepts. This input will help refine the design concepts into one preferred site plan.