Islanders Shape Future of Deane's Children's Park

Community Involvement in the Future of Deane’s Children’s Park

Mercer Island residents are being given the opportunity to shape the future of Deane’s Children’s Park, a beloved local space known as “Dragon Park” for its iconic mythical creature, Kenton. Two preliminary design concepts—The Quest and Woodsy Wonders—are now open for public input through an online survey, allowing Islanders to weigh in on their preferred vision for the park’s re-imagining. The survey is available until August 11, and residents can participate by visiting www.mercerisland.gov/dcpg.

The city’s Capital Parks Manager, Shelby Perrault, emphasized the importance of community engagement in this process. “We had our first touch point with the concepts at Summer Celebration (July 12) and got some really good feedback,” she said. Residents will be able to share their preferences on the overall look, feel, and character of the play equipment, as well as their choice between the two design concepts. City staff will continue to gather input during events such as Mostly Music in the Park on July 31 and National Night Out on August 5.

Design Concepts Highlight Creativity and Inclusivity

The proposed designs aim to modernize the park while maintaining its charm and ensuring accessibility for all children. The city documents state that the site plan is necessary to address aging playground equipment and will focus on inclusive play—a concept that ensures children with all abilities can play and recreate together.

Two themes emerged from the community input: The Quest and Woodsy Wonders. These were selected based on the preferences of over 1,200 elementary students who participated in presentations last school year, along with feedback from residents at community events. The students’ top choices for playground equipment included swings, climbers, slides, and spinners.

The Quest concept features a drawbridge-inspired gateway, whimsical playhouses that encourage creative storytelling, and castle-themed play structures. This design aims to transport children into a fairytale kingdom where imagination is key. On the other hand, Woodsy Wonders offers a forest-inspired experience with treehouse-themed elements, nature-inspired climbing structures, and a rocking “river raft” that adds a playful twist to the natural environment.

Perrault highlighted the significance of involving young residents in the decision-making process. “It’s just so cool for students at that young age to be able to have a voice in a project in their own backyard and to see how important it is to have a voice and to participate,” she said.

Integration with Surrounding Spaces

Beyond the design concepts, the city is also focusing on integrating the new play space with existing facilities. The goal is to create a central gathering area that connects the park with the adjacent Bike Skills Area, restrooms, and picnic shelter. This cohesive approach aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and make the park a hub for families and the community.

Currently, the project is in the second of four stages, which includes refining the initial ideas. The next steps will involve developing preferred and final site plans, with updates expected in the fall and early next year.

Funding and Timeline

The project is funded through the city’s 2022 parks levy, capital improvement fund, and King County parks levy. An approved budget of $1.5 million has been allocated for planning, design, and the construction of the first phase of improvements. This funding ensures that the project can move forward with a focus on quality, safety, and inclusivity.

As the community continues to engage with the design process, the final outcome of Deane’s Children’s Park will reflect the values and aspirations of Mercer Island residents. Whether it’s The Quest or Woodsy Wonders that wins the vote, the park’s transformation promises to bring joy, creativity, and connection to generations of children and families.