The original playground equipment was installed in 1998; plans were already underway to replace the aging equipment when it was destroyed by a fire in January 2022
VANCOUVER – Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will cut the ribbon on the city’s newest playground at Esther Short Park (605 Esther Street) during a community celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29.
The original playground equipment was installed in 1998. Plans were already underway to replace the aging equipment when it was destroyed by a fire in January 2022. The city and its contractors expedited the project to ensure the playground would be ready to welcome the community back for the busy spring and summer seasons.
The new fully inclusive play equipment was designed with assistance from Harper’s Playground, a non-profit that creates inviting playgrounds for people of all abilities. The city of Vancouver also worked with AKS Engineering and Forestry and Pence Construction to complete the playground.
Everyone who attends the celebration can receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win local products from the Vancouver Farmers Market.
New playground design highlights
- Double Slide and Play Hill
- Boulder Scramble
- Climbing Dome
- Zero Entry Merry Go All
- Swings
- Roxall See Saw
- Music Garden
- Increased Seating
- Additional trees and landscaping
- Decorative elements that reference the park’s original Victorian design
About Esther Short Park
Esther Short Park is a 5-acre gem in the heart of downtown and the oldest public square in the state of Washington. The bustling park is consistently rated the No. 1 place to visit in Vancouver by Trip Advisor for its beautiful surroundings, historic Victorian character, seasonal water feature, special events and proximity to the Vancouver Farmers Market. Since acquiring the park in 1853, the city has invested in transformative features that have become a catalyst for economic development in downtown Vancouver. Learn more about the park.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
- Fears of ‘double taxation’ loom as Legislature passes I-5 bridge toll bill
The Washington Legislature passed a bill allowing tolling on the Interstate 5 Bridge spanning the Columbia River, despite opposition from Republicans who raised concerns about toll revenue and its impact on southwest Washingtonians.
- Opinion: No new taxes? That’s not how it’s going to feel
Opinion: No new taxes? That’s not how it’s going to feel. Elizabeth Hovde of the Washington Policy Center points out that while lawmakers talk about no new taxes passed this session, that’s not really the case.
- Former White House physician to Biden: Take cognitive test or drop out!
Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson, former White House physician for Barack Obama and current House Republican, has renewed his call for President Joe Biden to undergo a cognitive test, citing concerns about his mental state and the public’s lack of confidence in his ability to lead the country.
- New playground at Esther Short Park to open Saturday
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle will cut the ribbon on the city’s newest fully inclusive playground at Esther Short Park, featuring a double slide, boulder scramble, climbing dome, zero-entry merry go all, swings, music garden, increased seating, additional trees and landscaping, and decorative elements that reference the park’s original Victorian design.
- Opinion: Why you should make a stand in Washington state
Nancy Churchill believes the social choice facing every community is anarchy-and-destruction or order-and-prosperity.
- Woodland’s Dual Language 4th graders use bilingualism and technology to collaborate on class projects with student counterparts in Puerto Rico
Fourth-grade students at Columbia Elementary School in the Dual Language Program collaborate with Spanish-speaking students in Puerto Rico to break down cultural barriers through language and social connection.
- Vancouver celebrates Small Business Month in May
The city of Vancouver will proclaim May as “Small Business Month” and will host a small business resource fair to showcase local businesses and promote growth and support for the community. The designation coincides with National Small Business Month and National Small Business Week.