Mercer Island unveils inclusive ‘Woodsy Wonders’ concept for Dean’s Children’s Park; full build could cost $6.3M–$7.8M

City staff presented a detailed site‑plan update on Nov. 6 for Dean’s Children’s Park that would replace aging playground equipment with a multi‑phased, accessibility‑focused “Woodsy Wonders” design featuring a central inclusive play hub, themed discovery nodes along woodland trails, a picnic shelter and a gender‑neutral restroom with an adult changing bench.

The presentation, led by Shelby Perreult, capital projects manager, and assisted by Laura Laney of Berger Partnership and inclusive‑design consultant Ingrid Canix, described the plan as the product of summer outreach (more than 70 respondents), Arts Council input and a site assessment that found opportunities beyond simple playground replacement.

The plan’s nut graf: the design seeks to balance three aims — increase inclusive, multi‑age play; preserve the park’s woodland character; and limit impacts to trees and stormwater by using a mix of surfacing and phased construction. Perrault said the park was prioritized in the 2022 parks plan because its flat topography makes it a good candidate for an accessible, multi‑generational playground.

Key components and tradeoffs

The preferred plan organizes the park into distinct play zones: ‘‘Critter Corner’’ (ages 2–5), discovery path play nodes, an intermediate compound play area and a large 5–12+ treehouse‑style adventure that would serve as a visual landmark. Designers showed multiple vendor concepts (Berliner, KOMPAN, Earthscape and landscape structures) to illustrate aesthetics, materials and lifespan tradeoffs. One option—the Berliner net‑tunnel tower—would be roughly 30 feet tall and use a tightly woven, enclosed net ramp to provide…