We call upon the administration at Everglades Elementary School to request Broward County Public School (BCPS), state, & local funds & grants for the construction of an ADA compliant, inclusive playground on school grounds.

This call to action is in support of the PTA's "Playground Beautification Project". By dedicating funds from the annual Movie Night & APEX events, in conjunction with private donations & ongoing fundraising, the PTA has collected $44,607.22 towards its $450,000 goal (as of 4/3/24). Students have even independently organized off campus bake sales & courageously advocated to commissioners of The City of Weston. However, these commendable students & PTA members who embody true Otter pride can't make this dream a reality alone. Greater action from our school’s leadership, BCPS board, & government officials is needed to provide supplemental funding to PTA donations. The exceptional efforts of our students & parents mustn’t be pushed to the wayside.

An inclusive playground is not just a place for recreation; it's a space where all children, regardless of ability, can play, learn, and thrive together, combatting social isolation & inequality. Everglades Elementary School should pride itself as being an inclusive institution, but our playgrounds fall short of meeting diverse needs. With April being Autism Awareness Month, the time is now to advocate for inclusion. This project represents an opportunity to go beyond an ordinary facility update, & reimagine what a truly inclusive BCPS playground can be:

1. Promote Safety
2. Ensure Accessibility
3. Foster Social Inclusion
4. Incorporate Sensory-Friendly Design
5. Educate and Raise Awareness

Administration must be proactive in building an inclusive and equitable school environment by leveling the playing field... literally. All of the school’s recreational spaces are in need of care, but the K-2 play space is particularly dire. It’s not only outdated, but poses health & safety risks. Sand flooring harbors hidden dangers, fungi, pests, parasites, germs and bacteria that can cause illness when not regularly maintained & sanitized. Furthermore, the playground is incompatible with Florida's extreme weather. Rain & flooding renders the space inaccessible for days on end, & covers the walkways underneath layers of sand. Inadequate shade exposes children to a risk of suffering heat-related illnesses- an escalating threat of the upward trend of record breaking heat in our state. The gross lack of play equipment leads to overcrowded play structures & an increased potential for injuries. The existing few play structures aren’t wheelchair accessible. The privacy screen along the perimeter fence is inadequate & doesn't shield children from outside view, a necessary safety precaution given the harsh reality of gun violence & our proximity to neighboring upper schools.

Year after year, parents & students have voiced concerns over the state of Everglades’ recreational facilities. With no major updates in 25 years, it's time we raise our standards by creating an inclusive playground that caters to ALL abilities, including those with ASD & those who use mobility devices. This includes installing ADA compliant flooring, ramps & accessible play equipment, adding shade structures, incorporating tactile & sensory elements, & creating seating areas & quiet spaces for children who may be hypersensitive to sensory stimuli. You "otter" know we care about inclusion, so it's disheartening to see the school's youngest & most vulnerable populations unable to fully enjoy their playtime.

We stand together as a top Weston school demanding better facilities for our young ones. They continually give it their all to achieve educational standards & deserve reciprocity with an overdue update to their recreational facilities. The signers of this petition urge school, local, & state authorities to allocate resources and collaborate with experts in inclusive design to create a playground that is accessible, safe, and welcoming for all children, including those with disabilities. Together, we can make a difference and foster acceptance & inclusion amongst the next generation of leaders.

With Gratitude & Anticipation,

The Everglades Elementary Community

���