As a parent of children who attend Coppin School and a full-time volunteer at the school, I have witnessed first-hand the impact of the newly installed electrical pipes and utility boxes on our students' play area. The school definitely needs the upgrade to its electrical system, but unfortunately, the installation will have unforeseen consequences. Components of the electrical system have been installed in the center of one of only two open play spaces in the school yard, preventing the more than 500 children who attend Coppin from playing soccer or kickball during recess. The boxes obstruct the trees we planted 2 years ago and will create issues with traffic flow for staff supervising the playground time. Without a thoughtful solution, Coppin might need to fence off 2090 square feet of the play yard to keep students safe. If the boxes remain where they are, there are safety concerns about children playing directly beside or on them or being hidden from view of the climate staff. 

This is not just about convenience, it's about our children's right to play and exercise at school. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents aged 6-17 years should have 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. The school yard is overcrowded as it is, with some children standing to watch while others play. We'd like to make the play area as functional as possible while accommodating the new electrical components.

We request PECO and the School District work with us to address the new issues we're encountering by considering a different layout or location for these utility boxes, allowing us to relocate the dumpsters to recover lost space, or proposing additional solutions. We know that if we work together, we can find a solution that both meets utility needs and allows the children to play safely. We urge not caregivers and supporters to join in advocating for a change that will help our children continue to run, play, and grow. Please sign this petition to find solutions so the children can still play in the school yard at Coppin School.