First Hill Park playground construction reaches new heights

November 18, 2025 11:30 am
Crews recently began assembling the new Alpha Tower as part of their construction work to install a brand-new playground at First Hill Park. The 20-foot-tall structure, designed for children ages 5-12, features two slides: a double slide for riding two at a time from an eight-foot deck, and a winder slide to ride from a 12-foot deck. Over the past few weeks, crews also poured a concrete slab for the free-play log tunnel; installed posts for new swings; started building a timber curb that will enclose the play area; and began backfilling the enclosure in preparation for an engineered, wood fiber play surfacing. Upcoming work includes pouring a concrete curb at the play area entrance and finishing a timber border. Construction remains on track and is expected to conclude in December. This project is made possible by the parks levy renewal approved by Mercer Island voters in 2022. Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island
Crews recently began assembling the new Alpha Tower as part of their construction work to install a brand-new playground at First Hill Park. The 20-foot-tall structure, designed for children ages 5-12, features two slides: a double slide for riding two at a time from an eight-foot deck, and a winder slide to ride from a 12-foot deck. Over the past few weeks, crews also poured a concrete slab for the free-play log tunnel; installed posts for new swings; started building a timber curb that will enclose the play area; and began backfilling the enclosure in preparation for an engineered, wood fiber play surfacing. Upcoming work includes pouring a concrete curb at the play area entrance and finishing a timber border. Construction remains on track and is expected to conclude in December. This project is made possible by the parks levy renewal approved by Mercer Island voters in 2022. Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island

Crews recently began assembling the new Alpha Tower as part of their construction work to install a brand-new playground at First Hill Park. The 20-foot-tall structure, designed for children ages 5-12, features two slides: a double slide for riding two at a time from an eight-foot deck, and a winder slide to ride from a 12-foot deck. Over the past few weeks, crews also poured a concrete slab for the free-play log tunnel; installed posts for new swings; started building a timber curb that will enclose the play area; and began backfilling the enclosure in preparation for an engineered, wood fiber play surfacing. Upcoming work includes pouring a concrete curb at the play area entrance and finishing a timber border. Construction remains on track and is expected to conclude in December. This project is made possible by the parks levy renewal approved by Mercer Island voters in 2022. Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island