West Mercer students slide into action on new playground

The playground invasion was on.

Soon after West Mercer Elementary PTA President Sarah Hollenbeck cut the ribbon to officially open the school’s new playground, a plethora of students raced past her and began climbing upon the equipment while having the time of their lives.

Smiles beamed from young faces and laughter filled the air on the morning of Jan. 11 during an all-school recess period at the facility located at 4141 81st Ave. SE. Rainy weather delayed the festive event from Monday to Thursday, and the kids, teachers and PTA members were raring to go come recess time on the chilly but clear day.

West Mercer’s PTA funded a portion of the playground and the majority of the funds came from the Mercer Island School District’s six-year Replacement Capital Projects and Technology Levy, which voters passed with 72.12% approval in February of 2022. Approval of Prop. 2 replaced an expiring levy and raised a range of $7.7 million to $8.4 million in property taxes within the school district for collection each year from 2023-2028.

By the numbers, the West Mercer PTA chipped in an immense amount of $42,000 from family donations through its Ask Campaign to purchase a big toy structure; the school district placed a hefty $335,800 from the levy into the playground replacement project along with $150,000 for improved ADA accessibility to the area, according to Tony Kuhn, the district’s director of maintenance and operations. ADA accessibility comes into play on a large ramp system, playground equipment and engineered wood fiber chips.

Before Hollenbeck snipped the red ribbon from atop the stairs leading to the playground on Jan. 11, she asked the throng of students if they were enjoying their new facility. She was met with a barrage of cheers that put a smile on her adult face. It was a rock-star moment of sorts as Hollenbeck glanced at her fellow PTA members and substitute Principal David Hoffman before performing her duty.

“We do so appreciate the support from our West Mercer community, and because of their support we’re able to do cool stuff like this,” Hollenbeck told the Reporter. “We try to make sure that the money we use from our Ask Campaign goes to a variety of places that benefits the whole school.”

The PTA also raises funds to present social events, for teacher grants and more. On this day, it was all about the playground, which features “all sorts of wild stuff,” Hollenbeck said, including slides, a climbing structure and spinners. Thanks to the West Mercer student council’s input, the playground is decked out in the school colors of light and dark blue.

Fourth-grader Dean Hollenbeck, one of Sarah’s two sons who attend the school, said he loves playing on the “spinny thing” and blasting down the fast slides.

“Everyone’s over here. It’s way more crowded than it ever was,” he said.

Carson Cordero, another fourth-grader, added about the new facility: “I feel like there’s just more things to do. I think it’s fun. I like the monkey bars.”

As she greeted students during recess, Sarah Hollenbeck noted about how all Islanders can benefit from the Wolves’ new playground: “It’s just really special. It feels great that we’re kind of putting this out to the community. It’s not just a place where our kids can play, but other kids can come and visit it on the weekends and after school as well.”

Hoffman, who served as principal at Island Park Elementary before retiring in 2022, gave a shout-out to Principal Megan Isakson for helping facilitate the launching of the new play area.

“It’s just wonderful to see something new and shiny in the schools. I know the students have been waiting a long time for this, so it’s a great partnership between the district and the PTA and the students. It makes the students very proud of their school,” he said.