Playground Updates for October 2025

This year has been busy with work to replace aging play equipment and enhance accessibility at Mercer Island playgrounds! Here's a look at the City's progress in 2025.

Roanoke Park - Now open!

The new playground at Roanoke Park opened in time for Labor Day weekend and has been a hit with the community! This play area renovation replaced all play equipment, benches, and picnic tables as well as added a new ADA parking stall, accessible pathways, and poured-in-place play area surfacing. Heading out to enjoy this new playground? Parking in the neighborhood is limited, so consider walking, biking, or parking at Aubrey Davis Park Lid A or C.

First Hill Park - Under construction!

R&R Construction, the City's contractor for Roanoke Park, has now moved onto First Hill Park! This project replaces old play equipment with a multilevel tower play structure featuring two slides as well as new belt swings and nature-themed, free-standing play elements. New engineered wood fiber (EWF) play area surfacing, timber borders, and concrete curbing will also be installed, and a new crushed-rock pathway will connect the park entrance at the play equipment, sport court, and picnic area. Construction is expected to take 3-4 months, and progress updates will be posted on Let's Talk.

Deane’s Children’s Park - Design work continues

Thank you to the thousands of community members who have provided input in the process to develop a Site Plan for Deane's Children's Park! On November 6, the Parks & Recreation Commission will review the updated Woodsy Wonders concept and share feedback to refine design elements, including play equipment options, during their regular hybrid meeting. Details for this meeting will be posted soon on Let's Talk.