Every child deserves to play freely and safely—but for many children with autism, public playgrounds can pose serious risks due to a condition called elopement, where a child may suddenly run from a safe area.

According to the National Autism Association, nearly 50% of children with autism attempt to elope at least once. This can lead to tragic outcomes when playgrounds are near roads, bodies of water, or open fields.

In Turlock, many of our public playgrounds are unfenced, making them inaccessible or unsafe for children with autism who elope—and for families who want to allow their children to play freely without fear.

We respectfully ask the City of Turlock to:

Install secure fencing around city playgrounds.
Prioritize parks in neighborhoods with high populations of children with disabilities.
Incorporate inclusive safety standards in all future park renovations and developments.

These changes would create a more inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all families.