Mercerdale Park

Mercerdale Park Playground
Frequently Asked Questions

In 2000, MIPA raised much of the funds to build, in partnership with the city, a new children's playground in Mercerdale Park. This new playground opened in 2002. Many children fondly refer to this as the "Train Park" because of the bright red steam engine and cars in the playground.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

QUESTIONS	ANSWER
I heard there was going to be a plaque honoring larger donors?	The City is in the processing of completing a plaque honoring 26 individual, corporate and organizational donors. We expect it to be installed in the playground area soon.
How can I fix a problem with my installed brick?	Please call Eileen Trifts at the MI Parks & Rec office at 236-3545 to make corrections. We’re sorry that there were a few proofing errors on bricks. These are being corrected as quickly as possible.
Why is the playground not fenced?	Mercerdale has been repeatedly protected by the City as an open space park through many recent attempts to build a multitude of projects ranging from low cost and senior housing to a new community center to more retail space. In the planning and design process, MIPA’s interest in erecting the playground had to be balanced against the Design Council and the greater community’s expectations for the Park’s appearance and usage. Simply put, had we insisted on a fence, the playground would not have been built. Several design decisions illustrate the serious consideration the safety issue played in the planning process. The playground was deliberately oriented with the toddler/young child area with the train closer to the inside of the park and at a lower elevation to create a more protected space. The addition of a 6 foot landscaped berm further serves as a visual and traffic break from the street. As the shrubs mature, this “natural” fence will be more apparent. We were most concerned about these youngest children running toward 78th Avenue. From the train, children would have to travel a distance of 75 feet to reach the street. We believed it reasonable that parents actively watching their children can catch a child within 75 feet.
What provisions are being made for crossing the street at the nearby intersections?	The City is installing "red flags" (similar to what is at Island Park Elementary) at the intersections of 78th Ave SE and 32nd and 78th Ave SE and SE 34th Street. Folks are encouraged to carry one of the red flags with them as they cross those intersections and then place it in the "yolk" or holder at the other side of the crosswalk. Parents are encouraged to escort their kids across those busy intersections and to use the red flags.
Can we use the restrooms at the Thrift Store?	Because restrooms are available in the Northwest corner of the park near the recycling center, the use of Thrift Store restrooms is discouraged. Signage in the park will soon go up directing playground users to the park restrooms. Discussions regarding cooperating with MI Youth & Family Services, who operates the Thrift Store to handle those emergency restroom trips, are ongoing.
How much did MIPA raise toward the project?	$144,000 -- 80% of the project cost.
How long did it take?	Idea conception happened in 1996, re-commitment to the project came in 1999, and fundraising ran through 2000 into early 2001. Design, City planning and approvals continued through late 2001 and construction started in May 2002.
Is MIPA involved in efforts to repair or renovate other Island playgrounds?	Yes! We are currently working on improvements to Deane�s Children�s Park, fondly known as the Dragon Park. Read more about it!