Esther Short Park playground construction set for June

Construction on a new, accessible play area at Esther Short Park (W. 8th and Columbia Streets) is slated to begin in June. The new play area is part of the department's Project Play initiative and features a fully inclusive design that invites people of all ages and abilities to play together in the state's oldest public square.

Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services had planned a new play area at the park for late 2022 but the project timeline was moved up after a fire destroyed the existing play area in January. The new Esther Short Park play area was designed in partnership with local non-profit Harper's Playground and AKS Engineering and Forestry. It incorporates accessible equipment and natural materials that are key to the Harper's Playground model. Decorative elements will reference the historical significance of the park and honor its Victorian design.

Esther Short Park will remain open during construction, but areas near the west edge of the park may be closed to help ensure the public's safety during construction. Construction is expected to be completed this fall, weather dependent.

Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is the lead agency on this project. The construction contract was awarded to Pence Construction of Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Learn more about the project at www.BeHeardVancouver.org/Project-Play.