Ever ride a whale? Well, get ready, kids!

Climbable orca whales are among the fun features planned for KidsUp! The Next Generation of Play, the expansive new playground planned for Battle Point Park.

Centerpiece of the facility will be a giant “ferry boat” play structure — and the theme will be carried even further with kid-friendly orcas swimming past for climbing fun.

“The new KidsUp! is themed around our cherished local stories, and the orcas are an indelible part of Pacific Northwest lore,” said Barb Trafton, executive director of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation.

“The climbable orcas are a chance to add a whimsical, ‘wow’ feature to the playground, while teaching our next generation of conservationists about protecting the Salish Sea and the many wonderful creatures who live there,” she said.

Volunteers are now being sought for a committee to help design and raise funds for the orca play features, with kids and parents encouraged to join.

And a portion of funds raised will be donated to protecting Puget Sound’s endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

“Kids and their parents want to know what they can do to help our endangered Southern Resident orcas,” Andersson said. “Having this orca feature at Battle Point Park will be a wonderful way to further that awareness.”

To join the KidsUp! Orca volunteer committee, email barb@biparksfoundation.org or call 206-842-7901.

See www.biparksfoundation.org for more information about KidsUp! The Next Generation of Play or to make a contribution to the campaign.