Community Engagement Summary

Phase 1: Gathering Initial Input (April–May 2025)

From April to May 2025, the project team launched the first phase of community engagement to help shape the future of Deane’s Children’s Park. We connected with the community through an online survey, an in-person open house, project booths at local events (MIPA Circus and Leap for Green), and activities at four Mercer Island elementary schools.

This outreach helped us hear from families, children, and longtime park users about what they value most in the park today and their ideas for its future.

What we heard:

Strong support for inclusive and accessible play features, including improved paths and restrooms.
Desire to preserve the park’s natural, wooded character.
Enthusiasm for keeping the park’s dragon legacy alive through imaginative design elements.
Interest in a unified theme, with Treehouse Adventure and Fairytale Kingdom as top choices.
High interest in active play features such as swings, climbers, spinners, and ziplines.
Support for phased improvements, beginning with a new restroom facility, followed by a picnic shelter and access upgrades.

Read the full Phase 1 Engagement Summary here.

Phase 2: Refining the Design Concepts (July–August 2025)

During the second phase of engagement, we shared two draft design concepts—The Quest and Woodsy Wonders—developed in response to what we heard in Phase 1. Community members were invited to share feedback on the overall look, feel, and character of the concepts, as well as specific preferences for types of play equipment.

Outreach included an online survey through Let’s Talk, a discussion with the Friends of Dragon Park, and project booths at community events such as Summer Celebration, Mostly Music in the Park, National Night Out, and Pride in the Park.

What we heard:

Broad support for Woodsy Wonders as the preferred concept, appreciated for its natural, forested setting.
Desire to meaningfully integrate Kenton’s Dragon into the updated design.
Continued enthusiasm for unstructured, imaginative play that fosters creativity and exploration.
Emphasis on inclusive features for a range of ages and abilities, while preserving the park’s wooded feel.
Climbing and sliding were the most desired play elements in larger structures, with support for elevated, open spaces that reflect the park’s character.

Read the full Phase 2 Engagement Summary here.