My son and I, along with many other families in the neighborhood, used to visit the local playground in Highland Park Village/Amarillo College East Campus Housing multiple times a week. It was a cherished part of my routine. It also served as a community hub where children could play and parents could gather. However, this is no longer possible due to the recent demolition of the playground. The reasons given to me by both Amarillo College and the City of Amarillo was safety concerns, accessibility concerns and budget restrictions not allowing these concerns to be addressed, and now, there are no plans to replace this important resource.

The nearest alternative is seven miles away, a near impossible distance for children and parents walking or riding bikes. A playground in our neighborhood is not just a luxury—it's a necessity for our children's physical activity, mental well-being, and community connection.

Amarillo College owns the land where the playground was situated, but it was under the city’s care per a contract with Texas State Technical College, who owned this land before Amarillo College acquired it. The playground equipment had expired contracts with the city and was deemed unsafe and inaccessible to the disabled, leading to its removal. We understand and encourage the need for safe and accessible play spaces.

We urge Amarillo College, in collaboration with Highland Park Village and the City of Amarillo, to prioritize the rebuilding of our playground. By working together, we can find a sustainable solution that addresses safety standards while providing our children with a place to play and thrive.

Sign this petition to support our community and ensure our children have access to a local, safe, and accessible playground once more.