The city of Kent’s Morrill Meadows Park, on the East Hill next to the Kent YMCA, has officially reopened after a year of renovations and upgrades.

The $1.59 million project included an expanded playground with improved ADA access, new swings, a brand-new nature play area, updated park furnishings, improved lawn space and a permanent stage. The 21-acre park is at 10600 SE 248th St.

“These renovations offer a beautiful, refreshed space for our community to gather and play outdoors,” according to a Kent Parks Facebook post. “Bring your family to explore and experience this beautiful new space.”

The park reopened May 18 after closing in April 2023 for upgrades. The main parking lot, restrooms, shelter, field and playground were closed for construction.

The Kent City Council awarded a $1.59 million bid in April 2023 to Enumclaw-based Harkness Construction, which submitted the lowest of eight bids. King County awarded $500,000 to the project, funds raised by the county’s Parks Levy. The rest of the costs were covered by the city’s capital projects fund.

The new children’s play area offers a more inclusive play experience for all ages and abilities, including a new nature-based play area. Additional improvements include ADA improvements to existing walkways, upgraded site furnishings, lawn renovation with enhanced turf and irrigation, pollinator meadow and a permanent stage for the city’s summer concert series.

The city plans a grand opening celebration on Saturday, June 29, with more details to come.

The trails, dog park, sport courts and other park features remained open during the second phase of park construction.

In 2019, the city celebrated the grand opening of an improved Morrill Meadows Park, which combined with East Hill Park and included the adjoining, redesigned, relocated off-leash dog park.

The conversion of the two parks and dog area – replete with a dedicated parking area – completed a city-funded and grant-assisted endeavor that took years in the making. The park added a multi-sport court, new walking trails and pathways, open space, gathering spaces for picnics and community events and a dog park that features a separate section for small or shy dogs.

The amenities of the reshaped park in 2019 integrated with the then-new YMCA – a two-story, 50,000-square-foot facility, giving city parks and Y staff the opportunity to work together to provide indoor/outdoor recreational activities and programs.

The city of Kent has completed its second and final phase of improvements to Morrill Meadows Park. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks

New swings are part of the upgrades at Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 SE 248th St. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent Parks