The Mercer Island Preschool Association hopes to help make the new playground project at Luther Burbank Park "exceptional," with an auction and fundraising dinner scheduled for at 6:30 p.m. May 4 at Cast Iron Studios in Bellevue.
The event will feature food and drinks from Purple Café and Wine Bar, and participants may to bid on a variety of silent and live auction items including a week in Vail, CO, and a stay at a private chalet in Switzerland, according to the Mercer Island Preschool Association.
The Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department will build an $328,000 playground to replace old playground equipment that the deparmtent says has reached the end of its useful life span.
The Mercer Island Preschool Association hopes that their fundraiser and auction can help raise the $25,000 "enhance the design and add features to make this playground truly exceptional," according to an association letter.
The family playground is located directly south of the MI Parks and Recreation and Youth and Family Services Administration building and east of the tennis courts. The new project would remove the a slide/jungle gym equipment currently located at the popular play area and replace it with newer, safer equipment that can handle more children — especially during the busy summer months, according to the city.
The council last year approved $303,000 toward the project. The city also been selling brick pavers to raise money to help raise funds for the project.
Tickets to the auction and fundraiser at $50, and will rise to $75 after April 4.
How to help
The Luther Burbank Playground Auction will be at 6:30 p.m. May 4 at Cast Iron Studios, 10650 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA. Tickets are $50, and will rise to $75 after April 4.
You can also donate and get a personalized paving brick at the park. Make a donation of $200 or more and the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department will personalize a brick with your name and message and include the paver in the new playground. Go to the Mercer Island Preschool Association Auction website for more information on buying a brick.
