Dear Tigard-Tualatin School District,

When we step back and take a moment to reflect on our communities and the esteem in which we hold ourselves, the common themes of equity and inclusion have come to forefront and become more prioritized than ever before.

So imagine how the parents and community around the Tigard-Tualatin school district might feel when there are no ADA playgrounds for children to access. Not one elementary school, nor the upper levels of education have a space where children’s personalities can shine and flourish through play and peer interaction outside the confines of the classroom rules.

From sidewalks, to crosswalks, to reading materials and communication tools in both the home and classroom, the climate around accessibility and mobility inclusion must keep pace as well. Children know when they enter a space if it is meant for them or not.

Currently, elementary children are kept in the cafeteria or libraries at their respective locations because there is no path to current play structures and there is no structure for them to play on even if they could access it. Not one campus in TTSD gives every child age 5-10 the ability to bond with their peers or feel the same joy as their classmates.

For one school alone, the playground cost runs $100,000 for the equipment alone. Not taking into account the cost of removal, replacement and disposal. Our only option has been to fundraise as much as possible through Jog-a-thon events in fall and various other small donation events. Our hope is that bringing this inequity to light, children all over the great state of Oregon will be granted the opportunity to blossom amongst their peers; not along the sideline limitations of the sidewalk.

One percent of the population is disabled. Just as with gender identity and social interaction, there is an "a-ha" moment when the individual connects a specific moment to when they feel like they belong and are accepted. We as adults and educators are given only one chance to set the impression of the academic landscape. How impactful of a message are we sending, when they have a great day inside the classroom but are excluded and denied equity to express themselves during play.

Please adopt a renewed focus on ADA play areas for children. Thank you.