The city reopened the Mercerdale Park playground, complete with new equipment and a signature play train structure, on June 27. A ribbon cutting will be held at 11 a.m. on July 9. “My kids are stoked!” reads one Facebook post. A few final touches on the playground renovation project need to be completed over the next few weeks, according to the city. The city shuttered the 5,000-square-foot play area in January of 2021 due to safety concerns and persistent standing water from clogged drainage by decomposing wood chips. New equipment, drainage and a rubber play surface were funded through the 2021-22 Biennial Budget. Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island