New Inclusive Playground Opens at Bales Park in Tulsa

The all-inclusive playground features equipment designed for kids with disabilities to participate in the fun.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:48am

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A new inclusive playground has opened at Bales Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, designed with accessibility in mind so that children with disabilities can fully enjoy the equipment and facilities. The $750,000 project was funded by the Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation, making it the third inclusive playground in the city.

Why it matters

The new inclusive playground at Bales Park represents an important step forward in making public spaces more accessible and welcoming for all members of the Tulsa community, including those with disabilities. It provides an opportunity for children of all abilities to play together and promotes greater inclusion and understanding.

The details

The all-inclusive playground features swings and a zip line designed for kids who need extra support, as well as accessories to help children in wheelchairs access the slides and other structures. Bales Park also now includes Tulsa's first accessible softball field. The playground's opening was celebrated alongside the new Bike Club headquarters, which will provide a permanent home for the nonprofit's youth cycling programs, trail-building efforts, and outdoor recreation initiatives.

  • The new inclusive playground at Bales Park had its official opening on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • The Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation donated $750,000 to fund the project.

The players

Lauren Pool

A Tulsa resident who contacted the city a few years ago to request an inclusive playground because her daughter, Lincoln, uses a wheelchair and had started to outgrow most playgrounds. She has helped bring three inclusive playgrounds to Tulsa.

Mayor Monroe Nichols

The mayor of Tulsa, who says parks are one of the most important ways to improve quality of life and that today's celebration represents a major step forward in making these opportunities available to everyone.

Anthony Archie

A Tulsa City Councilor who hopes to get more funding to add a water fountain and more fencing around the new inclusive playground at Bales Park.

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What they’re saying

“We're saying, hey, not only do you belong, but this was built with you in mind.”

— Lauren Pool

“This park is the best park I ever seen.”

— Henry Kissinger

“Their kids grow where families gather in communities, build connections. And so today's celebration represents a major step forward in making sure these opportunities are available to everyone.”

— Mayor Monroe Nichols, Tulsa Mayor

What’s next

City Councilor Anthony Archie says he hopes to get more funding to put a water fountain and more fencing around the new inclusive playground at Bales Park.

The takeaway

The new inclusive playground at Bales Park in Tulsa represents an important step forward in making public spaces more accessible and welcoming for all members of the community, including those with disabilities. It provides an opportunity for children of all abilities to play together and promotes greater inclusion and understanding.