If you’re a frequent visitor of William A. Bush Park, you’ll be excited to hear its getting an updated play structure soon! The City of Lacey has partnered with Gateway Rotary to fund the project. “We’re thrilled to partner with Gateway Rotary on the Bush Park playground replacement project,” shares Jenny Wilson, senior parks planner with the City of Lacey Parks, Culture, and Recreation.
The project will replace one of the current play structures at William A. Bush Park. It’s the oldest in the Lacey parks inventory, and at almost 30 years old, it’s ready for an update. The new structure will be geared toward 5- to 12-year-olds.
Gateway Rotary has been instrumental in funding the new structure. “Gateway Rotary has pledged $110,000 to support the new playground,” shares Wilson. The City also secured a $220,000 grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s local parks program for the project.
Help Pick Out the New Play Structure for William A. Bush Park
“Bush Park is one of our most highly used neighborhood parks, with frequent events in the picnic shelter and kids playing sports in the field,” shares Wilson. “A new playground will provide a more engaging and fun play space for kids, encouraging outdoor play that supports health, and provides opportunities for social connection.”
While they are still fundraising, the City already has designs for the new playground at Bush Park. Careful consideration went into the designs of the new playground. Things like improved play, a fun theme to make the space more inviting, and improved accessibility are at the top of the list. Wilson notes they want features that will provide an engaging play experience and will replace the wood chips with highly-accessible rubber surfacing for those with mobility challenges.
But the design is not set in stone yet! The City of Lacey wants park users to have their say. “Community feedback is central to this project,” shares Wilson. “We’ve developed four design concepts and are inviting the public to help select the final design.”
Attend the following two events at Bush Park (4400 Chardonnay Drive SE) to ask questions, check out the designs and vote for your favorite. (Plus, free ice cream!)
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Be sure to bring the kids – they will be the ones using the structure and the City wants their opinion too! “At upcoming events, families can view the options, learn about the features, and vote for their favorite by placing a sticker on large display boards,” shares Wilson. “Kids especially enjoy weighing the choices and having a real say in the outcome. This is an exciting project, and we can’t wait to see the community help shape its future.”
Can’t make it to one of the events? The City has drop-in voting at the Parks, Culture, and Recreation Office (420 College Street SE) from September 22 through October 1, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The City hopes to break ground on the project Spring 2026 with a tentative opening Summer 2026.
Gateway Rotary President Nita Sell says their original goal for the project was $125,000, including signage. “We have $17,000 to go,” she adds. People can donate to the project by giving to the Gateway Rotary Foundation. Mail checks to: 700 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Ste B-237, Lacey WA 98503.
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