Q&A from Virtual Public Meeting on 01.30.24
Heights are an important element of playgrounds. How does the proposed “exciting heights” 5-12 climbing structure compare to the existing playground height?
The existing climbing structure is 5 to 6 feet from the ground to the platform that leads to the slide. Since some of the panels extend beyond the platform, the structure likely has an 8-foot fall zone. In comparison, the slide in the proposed climbing structure takes off from 6 feet. The boy sitting on the upper bar (pictured below and included on slide 11 of the presentation) is 12 feet above the ground, so there is more risk here (which is an important part of child development), but one of the nice features of these net climber structures is that the fall zone is rated at 6 feet, as the structures are designed so a user will not fall more than six feet without something (net, etc.) catching them on the way down.
The safety surfacing and fall zone for this structure will be designed for the 12-feet maximum height.
Roanoke Park is currently known as the “Pirate Ship” park. Is it possible to maintain this theme or bring in another exciting theme?
At this time, the City does not plan to incorporate the Pirate Ship theme into the new playground design for Roanoke Park.
Prior to beginning the design process, City staff and the consultant team reviewed the current equipment options at all playgrounds on Mercer Island, which helped in identifying opportunities to provide new or different play experiences as playground replacements are undertaken. The proposed design for Roanoke Park playground includes similar features to those currently on-site as well as adds new types of equipment and site navigation that can foster unique play experiences.
For example, the proposed 5-12 climbing structure is designed to build skills and, by not incorporating an obvious theme, makes space for kids to imagine and discover their own ways to play on it. The bigger bay of swings will face West Mercer Way and let swingers “swing over” Lake Washington, an opportunity unique to this site. Like the existing playground, the new design incorporates a new cone spinner and a playhouse-like 2-5 structure that will include space for playing games as well as retreating for individual play or quiet.
Is the soft surface going to be similar to the surface used at the Mercerdale Park playground?
The Mercerdale Park playground features a mix of play grass and poured-in-place rubber surfacing. The poured-in-place surfacing is a better surface than engineered wood fiber chips for all children’s skills, abilities, and mobilities; it appears the project budget will allow for poured-in-place at this time.
Currently, the project budget allows for using poured-in-place at Roanoke Park playground. The design features poured-in-place surfacing around all the play equipment and required safety zones as well as a new concrete path leading from the proposed accessible parking space. Both surface types will enhance accessibility to and around the playground.
For all Mercer Island playgrounds: Are they all designed for all ages, or are some playgrounds designed specifically for 2 to 5-year-olds and others specifically for older kids?
When renovating Mercer Island playgrounds, each design will generally aim to include something for all ages, including adults.
One of the questions on the community survey for the Roanoke Park playground asked what age ranges those who do/plan to visit the playground desire. The results for ages 2-5 and 5-12 were comparable (42% vs. 38%), and these results informed the site plan concept and playground equipment selection presented during the public meeting.
It’s important to note that, while playgrounds will aim to be designed for all ages, adjustments will be made as community input is collected for each playground site identified for replacement under the Parks Levy. For example, if a survey for another site leans heavily toward the 2-5 range playground, staff and the consultant may consider adding more toddler swings or other age-appropriate equipment and experiences outside of the large structures to meet those needs.
Additionally, space requirements play a role in choosing equipment, as each piece of equipment includes a required fall zone/safety footprint. Structures rated for ages 5-12, for instance, tend to be larger and thus would require a larger safety footprint than a 2-5 structure may require.
For all playground replacement projects on Mercer Island, the City will evaluate the location, the age range desired by playground users, space requirements, and other factors when determining age-specific equipment for each site. to determine the appropriate equipment for each site.