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Mercer Island Parks Commission approves memo forwarding Dean's Children's Park site plan to City Council after hours of debate on accessibility, forested feel
Summary
After public testimony and hours of edits, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to send a handoff memo on the Dean's Children's Park (Dragon Park) site plan to City Council, asking for 30% design community review, clarifying that the commission did not assess project budget feasibility, and urging careful balance between accessibility and preserving the park's woodland character.
The Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Commission on March 5 voted to approve a handoff memo that will accompany the commission's recommendation on the Dean's Children's Park site plan when it goes to the City Council.
The vote — made by motion, seconded and carried in a roll call — recorded six ayes and one absence; Commissioners Bretman, McCarthy, Cohen, Strzok, Markson and Chair Ashley Hay voted in favor and Vice Chair Westberg was absent. The motion authorizes Chair Ashley Hay to present the commission's recommendation to Council.
The decision followed four public speakers who urged approval and a design that prioritizes access. "Please approve this plan today," said John Hamer, a member of the Friends of Dragon Park Coalition, who described the park's importance for children and families and said his wheelchair-using grandson could not use much of the existing play area. Several speakers thanked staff for broad outreach and urged inclusive features that…
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