Swing sets removed at Tulsa Public Schools' Eliot Elementary, parents say they're concerned

Some Tulsa parents are frustrated with the changes made to the playground at Eliot Elementary School.

Tulsa Public Schools says the new playground equipment will be ADA compliant, but that means removing the swing set.

PUSH FOR INCLUSIVITY

These renderings from Tulsa Public Schools show the new playground that will go in at Eliot Elementary School.

It’s part of a push from the district to be more inclusive, and will have equipment that’s accessible for those with disabilities.

"We want to make sure that any student that is enrolled in Tulsa Public Schools, any student in the neighborhood, is able to come and enjoy the playground in a safe way, and so we know that that means we have to make some changes,” said Caroline Crouch, the Executive Director of Communications for Tulsa Public Schools.

She says there has been extensive research to figure out the best option for the kids.

"We have done a lot of work to study that is safe, what is accessible, and what is appropriate for every student in our building,” said Crouch. “The play structures that are being installed across the district absolutely meet all those requirements."

TPS says the push to be more inclusive is happening in lots of places.

"I think, as certain facilities and structures come to the end of their life cycle and you look at replacing them and updating them, this is certainly something that's not specific to Tulsa Public Schools, it's really something I think that's happening across the board for spaces that serve young people,” said Crouch.

PARENT CONCERNS

A group of Eliot Elementary parents sent News On 6 this statement:

“As parents and supporters of Tulsa Public Schools, we are strong advocates for public education and are deeply committed to the success of our district. However, we are frustrated and disheartened by the recent decision to remove the swings from Eliot Elementary’s playground.

This action was taken despite meaningful input and thoughtful solutions offered by parents and community members, including proposals for ADA-compliant swing options and natural, inclusive play structures that reflect the values and needs of our school community.

We are especially disappointed by the district’s decision to move forward without meaningfully engaging with families. The “one size fits all” approach to utilizing voter-approved bond dollars for playgrounds overlooks the unique needs, voices, and character of individual school communities. Parents were ready and willing to collaborate, and that opportunity was dismissed.

We sincerely hope that, moving forward, Tulsa Public Schools will embrace a more transparent and collaborative approach, one that prioritizes partnership and values the voices of parents, students, and school communities in shaping decisions that impact our children.”

WHAT’S NEXT

The district says Eliot will be one of the final schools to have new playground equipment installed, but did not specify when that would be.

TPS says there are swings at Salk Elementary near 61st and Memorial because that property is owned by the City of Tulsa.