Resident urges faster replacement plan after Candy Cane Park playground fails safety inspection

Kenneth, a Mountlake Terrace resident, told the City Council at its March 26 study session that his family used the Candy Cane Park playground almost every day and was alarmed to learn the play structure had failed a safety inspection and been removed. "Losing that playground was kind of like losing a neighbor," he said, urging the council to provide a timetable for repairs or replacement.

Council members broke standard public‑comment protocol to respond that night. Council member Sonore said the council and staff "do care" and asked Recreation & Parks staff to look for grant funding and issue a public statement about the city’s plan for the park. Jeff Betts, the city’s recreation and parks director, was asked to follow up with specific grant and timeline options.

The comment drew attention to the limited information residents had received: Kenneth said public posts indicated there was "no budget" and only an offhand suggestion that a replacement might occur "a few years down the road." Council members acknowledged the emotional impact on a family that used the park routinely and directed staff to pursue grants and communications to provide clarity to the neighborhood.

What happens next: Council asked staff to investigate grant opportunities and to prepare a public statement describing next steps and an expected timeline. No formal action was taken that night; the comment and the staff response were recorded for follow up.