William A. Bush Park playground redesign to be determined by residents in Lacey

The playground at William A. Bush Park in Lacey is in line for a makeover.

In an announcement released on Thursday, Aug. 28, the city said the planning process of replacing a 2,600-square-foot play area would include installation of new playground equipment for children ages 5 to 12, as well as  accessible rubber surfacing to replace existing wood chips. 

The announcement said public voting would open on design proposals to modernize the 30-year-old play space. The park is located at 4400 Chadonnay Drive SE.

The redesign is supported by $110,000 from Gateway Rotary and a $220,000 grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. 

According to the city, Gateway Rotary raised its share over three years through events, including its Bunkers, Balls & Birdies golf tournament, which drew more than 130 golfers this year. The group adopted the replacement as a “legacy initiative.” 

The park, named in 2005 for William A. Bush, commemorates his decades of public service. 

Bush, who died Dec. 21, 2023, served on the Lacey City Council from 1973 to 1997. He was also the first mayor to complete a full term under the council-manager government system. 

He established the Intergovernmental Human Resources Committee to direct resources to social service agencies and convened the Blue Ribbon Postal Tax Force Committee to review Lacey Post Office operations. 

To participate, the public can select a design during in-person voting at Bush Park on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon or Sept. 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct size of the play area.

Voting will also be open at City Hall, 420 College Street Southeast, from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 during weekday business hours.