New playground equipment installed in Maxwelton park

The Parks and Recreation Department replaced a playground that was more than 30 years old.

By Kira Erickson • December 22, 2023 1:30 am

Kids now have a new place to play at Dave Mackie Park.

The Island County Parks and Recreation Department recently replaced an aging playground structure that was more than 30 years old at the South Whidbey park.

The new equipment is located on the opposite side of the restrooms, which makes it more accessible to the beach and parking lot, according to Parks Superintendent Jan Van Muyden. The department plans to build picnic table pads and shelters at the old playground site that will have ADA access in the near future.

Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon wrote in her weekly newsletter to constituents that the new playground “incorporates skills and challenges that are important to children’s development, and the swing set has parent and child seating with the seats facing each other so they can enjoy the movement and moment together.”

She added that creosote timbers and the old structure was removed, and parts of it were recycled when possible. Drainage was also improved, new topsoil was added and the area was hydroseeded.

The new playground equipment cost $96,000 and was funded by the county’s 2023 Capital Improvement Plan.