What’s subsequent for our beloved Deane’s Children’s (Dragon) Park? / Hamer Time

What a enjoyable summer time I had!

Maybe you noticed me at Deane’s Children’s (Dragon) Park, Mercerdale (Train) Park, or strolling round city with a goofy inexperienced Dragon masks on my head.

I used to be at Summer Celebration, Mostly Music within the Park, Farmer’s Market, First Friday Art Walks and some different occasions.

I used to be “Dragon Man” with a “Dragon Wagon” filled with “Friends of Dragon Park” T-shirts. I handed out cool stickers to a whole lot of youngsters. (NOTE: if you’d like a sticker or T-shirt, ship me an e mail. I’ve received just a few left.)

Many of you will have puzzled if this outdated man with a gray beard was barely wacko. Well, perhaps.

But after I advised you concerning the terrific Dragon Park renovation plan that our metropolis council has accredited for this iconic island website, you modified your minds. I confirmed you a map of the brand new website design, pictures of the Dragon, and copies of knowledge from town workforce. Plus an important image of Lola Deane, 91, with my grandson Ford Parks, 10, in his wheelchair. They are honorary co-chairs of our casual group of supporters.

I used to be delighted on the outpouring of curiosity and help from so many individuals. Nearly everybody mentioned some model of “We love Dragon Park. I grew up playing there. Now my kids (or grandkids) play there. It’s our favorite park.”

One lady truly advised me: “I moved to Mercer Island because of Dragon Park.”

I used to be blown away by the optimistic reactions from individuals of all ages –- children, dad and mom, grandparents, nannies, and others. For those that had by no means visited Dragon Park, I gave them instructions and urged them to go see it. “Imagine you’re in a wheelchair,” I advised them.

I used to be a bit stunned at what number of had been unaware of town’s plan to renovate the location. It has been within the planning levels for over a 12 months, however many hadn’t adopted the dialogue.

The metropolis’s parks and recreation division did a wonderful job of searching for suggestions –- open public conferences, on-line surveys, and an unprecedented outreach to all 1,200 children within the metropolis’s elementary faculties, asking what they wished to see at Dragon Park.

The metropolis council adopted the design plan in April by a 6-1 vote. It was beforehand accredited by the parks and recreation fee with just a few amendments. Both conferences included testimony from dozens of residents. The metropolis listened and took public views into consideration.

As I talked to actually a whole lot of individuals over the previous few months, I discovered:

* Dragon Park is a very beloved and iconic place.

* Everyone needs to protect the Dragon sculpture.

* People actually treasure the pure forested setting.

* However, all agree it’s NOT accessible or inclusive right this moment.

As I sat on a bench at Train Park on many days watching children of all ages fortunately enjoying on that renovated playground, overseen by dad and mom and grandparents, I grew to become much more satisfied that Dragon Park wants related options, together with:

— Ramps for wheelchairs

— Guardrails for security

— Swings for disabled children

— Soft surfaces, no bark mud

– Wide paths with no boundaries

— Sensory play options

— Side-by-side slides

— A ground-level spinner

Many different cities in our metropolitan area, statewide, and different states have constructed such playgrounds. Indeed, it’s now a serious development in America and worldwide. Train Park was Mercer Island’s first to be actually accessible and inclusive, and it’s at all times jammed.

Playgrounds should go effectively past ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) necessities. They have to work for youths like my grandson Ford and growing old grandparents like me. Also for anybody with mobility points comparable to accident victims, wounded veterans, mothers with strollers or seniors with walkers.

As I talked with people, many requested me how they might assist. I advised them to go to town’s web site, learn concerning the proposal, overview the map and plan, and keep knowledgeable.

I urged them to go to our “Friends of Dragon Park” Facebook web page and be a part of the 200+ names on our checklist. I collected dozens of private emails from individuals who supplied to assist.

I had ordered T-shirts with a enjoyable Dragon brand. If individuals donated $25 they received a shirt. If $100, 5 shirts. Some individuals simply handed me cash and mentioned they didn’t want shirts however wished to help the trigger.

Thankfully, my Mercer Island Rotary Club had agreed to briefly maintain the donated funds in our tax-exempt basis account till town was able to obtain it. We will now flip over the complete quantity to town, earmarked for Dragon Park.

I used to be delighted at a number of the different methods individuals supplied to assist. Examples:

1. A neighborhood restaurant proprietor agreed to have a “Dragon Park Day” when proceeds from diners could be donated to the challenge.

2. A serious video firm pledged to do a free video of my grandson Ford attempting to get round Dragon Park in his wheelchair.

3. Website designers supplied their help; one did a draft web site for my private overview.

4. Several native enterprise homeowners pledged help, as did many workers whose corporations will match donations.

5. A neighborhood auctioneer proposed holding an occasion the place we might public sale off dragon- associated objects to lift cash.

6. Our native UPS retailer made a Dragon Park banner for us to show –- and minimize the worth in half as a result of they help the trigger.

7. In June, we held a enjoyable occasion at The Rock with drinks made out of dragon fruit, dragon sushi rolls, dragon cookies, and different treats. Dozens of individuals confirmed up.

So what comes subsequent? The metropolis is now shifting forward on a complete fund-raising technique to implement the plan. Progress! Will we want a serious public marketing campaign to succeed?

Absolutely. It’s a multi-year, multi-phase challenge that may want funding from many sources, together with personal, particular person, company, basis, and different donors. The price ticket is excessive, however we are able to –- we should — do that.

So, how can YOU help this nice trigger?

First, be well-informed concerning the plan. Here’s a hyperlink to town’s net web page: Deane’s Children’s Park (https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/deanes-childrens-park). Tell all your folks and neighbors to do the identical. You might want to donate straight on town’s web site and designate it for Dragon Park. Here’s a hyperlink to see how to try this (https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/park-enhancement-donations). Or you’ll be able to name (206) 275-7609 or e mail town council at council@mercerislandgov.org to encourage continued help. The extra residents who overtly help the plan, the higher.

I had a enjoyable summer time assembly individuals, making mates, elevating consciousness, and laying the groundwork for future donations and public engagement. But for now, “Dragon Man” goes again to his lair for a bit hibernation. The Dragon is napping, however might rise once more.

John Hamer (jhamer46@gmail.com) is a longtime resident of Mercer Island, former editorial author/columnist for The Seattle Times, co-founder of Friends of Dragon Park, lively MI Rotarian, and grandfather of 4. He has been a neighborhood organizer for a number of citizen and non-profit teams over the previous 50+ years and has led editorial campaigns for every day and weekly newspapers.