Councilors Join Tulsa Parks To Announce Construction of Two Inclusive Playgrounds at Hicks, Bales Parks
- aguyton47
- 1 day ago
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Burnstein Family Foundation Donates Over $1.5 Million to Fund Barrier-Free, Accessible Playgrounds for Children of All Abilities.
Tulsa Parks, in partnership with the Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation and local community advocates, is excited to announce the construction of two fully inclusive playgrounds at Hicks Park and Bales Park. These state-of-the-art play spaces are designed to welcome children of all abilities, creating environments where every child can play, explore, and connect side by side.
The playgrounds were funded through a generous investment from the Burnstein Family Foundation, totaling approximately $785,000 per site. They were developed in collaboration with community members, accessibility advocates, and inclusive design professionals to reflect Tulsa’s commitment to meaningful recreation for everyone.
“Every child in Tulsa deserves a place where they can play, grow, and feel like they belong — and these playgrounds are a big step toward that vision,” Mayor Nichols said. “I’m grateful to the Burnstein Family Foundation, Tulsa Parks, and all the community members who made this possible.”
District 5 City Councilor Karen Gilbert, who represents the district that includes Hicks Park, praised the investment in inclusive infrastructure.
"This is a huge win for our community and Tulsa as a whole," Gilbert said. "These inclusive playgrounds represent our city's commitment to making public spaces accessible and joyful for every child, regardless of ability. I'm proud to see this kind of investment happening here at Hicks."
Tulsa Parks Director Anna America emphasized the collaborative approach that prioritized accessibility and dignity for all users.
“This project shows what we can accomplish when we bring people together,” America said. “We worked closely with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Burnstein Family Foundation, our design team, and Tulsa families to create intentionally inclusive playgrounds to support children who use mobility aids, experience sensory sensitivities, or process the world differently. It’s a true reflection of our values as a city.”
In addition to the playgrounds, the City of Tulsa will invest in site enhancements at each park to improve accessibility for people of all ages, including:
At Hicks Park: Upgrades to the sidewalks and parking lot, along with restroom renovations that include the addition of an adult changing table.
At Bales Park: the location for the City’s first wheelchair-accessible softball field, providing expanded opportunities for adaptive recreation.
Mrs. Irene Burnstein, founder of the Burnstein Family Foundation, reflected on the foundation's longstanding commitment to inclusive public spaces.
“Hope Playground at Whiteside Park represents my late husband Stan’s and my family’s dream for public places of play, connection, and learning, where children and families of all abilities can gather. The Burnstein Family Foundation is grateful for the partnership with Mayor Nichols, City Councilors, the Parks Department, and community advocates that continues these investments at Hicks and Bales.”
Community feedback shaped the park designs to prioritize the needs of Tulsa families. Each playground features inclusive elements like saucer swings for children in wheelchairs, flexible rubber ramps for climbing, and a wheelchair-accessible We-Go-Round.
The central tower has a unique net system and saddle climbers for children of varied abilities to reach the slides. Quiet zones offer space for parallel play, allowing children to engage at their own pace. Additionally, play areas contain interactive visual panels, talk tubes, and sensory features to support physical and cognitive development.
Lauren Pool, a parent and community advocate who contributed to the project's development, in addition to Hope Playground at Whiteside Park, spoke to the personal impact of inclusive design.
“As a parent of a child with a disability, this project means the world to me,” Pool said. “It’s not just about equipment — it’s about belonging. These playgrounds show that Tulsa values every family and every child. They are a place where all kids can feel safe, included, and celebrated.”
Ten-year-old student and Tulsa resident, Poppy Cox, joined the announcement to help unveil the playground renderings and celebrate the future of inclusive play.
Construction is expected to begin later this summer and be completed before the end of the year. As more information becomes available, updates will be shared.
For progress updates, in addition to programming efforts at Tulsa Parks, follow Tulsa Parks on Facebook, @TulsaParks, and on Instagram, @TulsaParksandRec.
