City briefs | Council moves ahead on new playground

The City Council has approved funding for Adventure Playground, an interactive playground filled with wooded forts and outdoor games at Deanes Children’s Park on Island Crest Way. The park will be supported by grant funding from the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) and, most likely, Nickelodeon. The MIPA has awarded $6,175 to the city for the program, which will go toward construction of the park. The park’s former restroom building will be converted to a “headquarters” building where tools and materials will be stored. The picnic shelter will be upgraded to accommodate programs in inclement weather. Fence repair and vegetation maintenance is also needed.

April 6, 2010 3:43 pm

Council moves ahead on new playground

The City Council has approved funding for Adventure Playground, an interactive playground filled with wooded forts and outdoor games at Deanes Children’s Park on Island Crest Way. The park will be supported by grant funding from the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) and, most likely, Nickelodeon.

The MIPA has awarded $6,175 to the city for the program, which will go toward construction of the park. The park’s former restroom building will be converted to a “headquarters” building where tools and materials will be stored. The picnic shelter will be upgraded to accommodate programs in inclement weather. Fence repair and vegetation maintenance is also needed.

Staffing for the interactive Adventure Playground will be provided by incorporating play sessions with the city’s Funmobile program.

The staff of Island Park Elementary School and the PTSA have expressed interest in using the program during class time and as an after-school activity.

In addition, the city will spend up to an additional $6,875 in already budgeted funds for the picnic shelter, grounds and Adventure Playground staff time.

The grant from Nickelodeon is still pending. Despite this, Parks and Recreation staff have decided to move forward with the project and seek in-kind donations of materials and tools, along with using existing tools from the city.

Citizens needed to serve on city boards and commissions

The Mercer Island City Council is seeking a diverse range of citizens to voluntarily serve on several advisory boards. Appointments to boards and commissions are made by the mayor and affirmed by the City Council. Generally, terms run June 1 through May 31, for a four-year period. Upon appointment, board members can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a month serving on the board, although the level of commitment may vary.

The boards and commissions with positions available are:

• Arts Council (four positions)

• Design Commission (two positions)

• Open Space Conservancy Trust (two positions)

• Planning Commission (two positions)

• Senior Commission (two positions)

• Utility Board (two positions)

• Youth & Family Services Advisory Board (four adult positions for three-year terms; current eighth-graders, three positions; current 9th-graders, one position; current 10th-graders, three positions; current 11th graders, two positions; all for two-year terms).

For an application or for more information, call City Clerk Ali Spietz at (206) 275-7793 or e-mail ali.spietz@mercergov.org.