DRAGON PARK RENOVATION
PARTNERSHIP INSPIRED, COMMUNITY INVOLVED
How to Donate to the Dragon Park Renovation

Read what others are saying about the Dragon Park Renovation. 

Dragon Park's makeover was sparked into life by the Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department decisions to fund minor repairs to the park and to solicit input from it's original founders, MIPA.  In 1961, the MIPA transformed a portion of Island Crest Park into Deanne's Children’s Park (Dragon Park), a playground in a natural setting designed for children three to eight.

"Right from the start, MIPA volunteers brought energy and inspiration to the table.  From what started to be a maintenance and replacement, snowballed into new and exciting play areas for children," said Mike Elde, Operations Manager for MI Park & Rec.  "We're thrilled that the Island's most beloved park is going to be even better." added Jeanne Schreuder, chair for th Park's renovations.

MIPA and MIP&R reached out to the community and school for input and support as well.  MIPA worked with Island Park Elementary School to design play areas that are inclusive and inviting to all children since the students, including its Extended Resource Room students, enjoy the park both after school as well as during their gym classes.

MORE QUOTES AROUND THE COMMUNITY

"I am excited by the opportunity the Preschool Association is providing the Mercer Island community with the upgrade of the play structure at Dragon Park. It will provide the students in our Extended Resource Room who have moderate to severe disabilities with a play area designed with them in mind.  It will also serve the broader Island Park Elementary and Mercer Island community with a new, improved play area that will attract children of all ages with it's imaginative and safe design. I'd like to say thank you to the Preschool Association for championing this important project."  Toby Suhm, IP PTA President

"Island Park's Extended Resource Room (ERR) serves children with moderate to severe disabilities. The children in this program will indeed benefit from a play area designed for children with special needs.  As such, the program director of the ERR continues to be instrumental in the design of our play area.  In a recent site visit, Island Park's principal, Kathy Morrison, expressed her support of the park improvements and envisioned the play area providing a place where the special needs children can interact with general education students.  In addition, this renovated toddler area will be the only wheelchair accessible and inclusive play area on Mercer Island.  Mrs. Morrison believes the new area will offer families a play space where all Island Park children can play and enjoy each other's company."   Kathy Morrison, IP Principal

"The children of MI have enjoyed using Dragon Park for many years.  I remember bringing our sons to play at Deanne's Children's Park in the 1970s, and now Grandpa and I enjoy playing there with our grandchildren.  This well-loved park has been used for years, but it is time to replace some of the original play equipment. The castle will allow children of all abilities to play and to imagine together in a safe natural environment."   Pat Braman, MISD Board President