Playground Replacements in the 2023-2028 CIP

The 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plans for replacement of playground structures in five Mercer Island parks:

Roanoke Park
Deane's Children's Park
First Hill Park
Aubrey Davis Park Lid B
Secret Park

This post provides details about the play equipment and needs at these parks as well as updates on where the City is in the planning process. Staff will update this post with new information and links as design and construction progress over the course of the 6-year CIP.

Roanoke Park

The playground at Roanoke Park is the first one slated for replacement. Berger Partnership, the City’s consultant partner leading design and community engagement, is developing a concept that will include site improvements for parking and fencing in addition to play equipment replacement. A community survey to collect input on playground equipment is open December 20-January 12, and the City will host a virtual public meeting on January 30 to review refined concepts and collect feedback to inform the final design. Depending on equipment lead times, this playground replacement should be completed by summer 2024. Learn more and engage in the process here.

Deane’s Children’s Park

A partial playground replacement for Deane’s Children’s Park was planned for 2023 and included the climbing rock, swings, and castle structures. Deane’s is a more complex site, particularly with the addition of the new Bike Skills Area. The opportunity for a holistic approach to the overall design allows for significant ADA and access improvements as well as a more cohesive approach to the playground and picnic shelter area. Berger is working on a sitewide redesign to meet these needs, and staff anticipate that community engagement for this playground will begin in 2024.

First Hill Park

Since the Deane’s design process is being extended, staff are accelerating other playground replacements in the levy schedule, beginning with First Hill Park. The playground at First Hill was originally planned for design in 2025 and construction in 2026. The design includes replacement of the playground structure, resurfacing of the sports court, and potential ADA access improvements. Berger is evaluating the site now, and the City will announce the date for the virtual public meeting on this playground replacement in early 2024. Similarly to Roanoke, construction at First Hill will depend on equipment lead times; staff hope to complete construction by the end of 2024.

Aubrey Davis Park Lid B

The Lid B playground area at Aubrey Davis Park provides a good opportunity for ADA accessibility improvements and will be part of a larger parks CIP project that includes the addition of ADA parking spaces and a restroom facility to support playground and other park users. Design is planned for 2026 and construction in 2027.

Secret Park

Secret Park includes a playground structure, a spinner, and swings. The equipment was installed in 2007 and is aging well; design of the new playground area is planned for 2027 and construction in 2028. Due to the grade and topography challenges at the park site, this playground area is not a good candidate for ADA upgrades.