From Uneven to Unmatched: A Park Transformation in Broken Arrow, OK
Playgrounds are meant to be places of joy—safe, inviting spaces where families gather and kids can play freely. When a playground surface no longer aligns with a city’s expectations for performance and long‑term value, it presents an opportunity to reimagine the space. That was the case for the City of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, which recently undertook a major surfacing upgrade at one of its parks.
The Maintenance Reality of EWF
While EWF provides impact attenuation and a natural appearance, it does require regular maintenance to perform as intended. Maintaining proper depth involves routine raking, leveling, and periodic refilling. Each refill introduces additional considerations:
- Material replacement costs
- Freight fees, which fluctuate significantly based on fuel prices
- Ongoing labor and equipment time
Over the long term, these factors can make EWF a more expensive solution to maintain than initially anticipated.
The Decision to Move to Synthetic Turf
After evaluating long‑term needs, the City of Broken Arrow elected to replace the existing EWF and PIP surfacing with synthetic turf playground surfacing. The objective was to create a clean, uniform, and durable surface that could stand up to daily use while reducing maintenance requirements.
A Fast, Efficient Transformation
One of the most impressive aspects of the project was the installation timeline. The removal of the existing surfacing and installation of the synthetic turf system were completed in just a few days, minimizing closures and allowing the park to reopen quickly for the community.
Long‑Term Value for the City
The new synthetic turf surface delivered immediate benefits and long‑term advantages:
- A consistent, even surface that enhances accessibility and user experience
- Dramatically reduced maintenance requirements
- Elimination of recurring material refills and freight costs
- Simple upkeep consisting primarily of occasional power brushing
- Unlike loose‑fill materials, the turf remains in place, maintains uniform appearance, and performs consistently across seasons.
A Thoughtful Investment in Public Spaces
This project highlights how municipalities can thoughtfully evaluate surfacing options based on lifecycle cost, maintenance efficiency, and user experience, rather than initial installation cost alone.
For the City of Broken Arrow, the transformation resulted in a playground that looks better, functions more consistently, and requires far less ongoing maintenance—ensuring the park remains a welcoming destination for years to come.
