Mercer Island staff advance "Woodsy Wonders" as preferred concept for Dean's Children's Park; public art options scoped for phase one

City staff told the Mercer Island Arts Council on Oct. 15 that a nature‑inspired design labeled “Woodsy Wonders” has emerged as the preferred concept for Dean’s Children’s Park after two rounds of public outreach and a Parks and Recreation Commission site visit.

Shelby Peralta, Capital Parks manager, said staff began the project because the playground equipment “is really reaching the end of its useful life” and a site assessment showed other amenities — restrooms, the picnic shelter and paths — also need updates to meet accessibility standards. Peralta said the city’s 2022 system‑wide assessment placed Dean’s among five playgrounds prioritized in the six‑year Parks Capital Improvement Plan. “We expect to generate approximately 10 to 15,000 for the 1% program,” Peralta said when describing public art funds available for the first phase.

The staff presentation summarized two contrasting concepts developed from community input: “The Quest,” a storybook/fantasy approach with castle‑like elements; and “Woodsy Wonders,” a forest‑themed concept emphasizing timber textures, a discovery path and a treehouse hub. Staff said outreach April–May and a second round in July–August included an online survey, event booths, an open house and school visits that reached more than 1,200 students. Respondents favored inclusive, accessible play and designs that preserve the wooded character; staff reported stronger support for the Woodsy Wonders concept in the second round.

Peralta and the project team said the site plan will be implemented in multiple phases as budget allows. Staff reported a construction allocation of about $1.5 million for the first phase; after site‑plan expenses they estimate approximately $1.3 million remains for construction. Public art for phase one was estimated at roughly $10,000–$15,000 from the city’s 1% for art program.

Council members and members of the public recommended several priorities for art and materials: use of natural‑feeling materials rather than bright molded plastic, integration of student art into facades or wayfinding, sculptural seating and low‑impact interventions that reuse downed trees or logs. Peralta said staff will refine the Woodsy Wonders concept into a preferred plan and will return to the Arts Council with 30% design materials and specific public art proposals for the first phase, and then present the final site plan to City Council in early 2026.

Next steps: staff will continue 30% design work, refine phasing and budgets, prepare formal public art scopes that align with the Woodsy Wonders character, and return to the Arts Council for formal review in early 2026.