A Playground Reimagined

From uneven EWF & PIP to clean, durable synthetic turf.
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

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.

Projects don’t always go according to plan—and sometimes that’s where the best solutions come from.

At Rockdale Learning Academy for the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, the original layout separated age groups, with the 5–12+ playground located on the opposite side of the building. It worked well on paper, but as the project developed, site conditions began to shift.

A new electrical transformer was introduced behind the building, requiring dedicated clearance, access, and coordination with utilities. That space quickly became unavailable, and the layout had to be rethought entirely.

Instead of two separate play areas, everything was brought together into one unified space.

WORKING THE GROUND

Bringing everything to one side created a new set of challenges—starting with the ground itself.

A major focus was creating a space that felt seamless with the surrounding flatwork. In our industry, avoiding step-ups and abrupt transitions is critical for both accessibility and everyday use. That meant moving a significant amount of dirt to reshape the site and bring everything flush.

Rather than waste that material, the soil removed from the playground was reused in the construction of the Tribe’s new casino. It’s a small detail, but one that ties the project back into something larger happening within the community.

DESIGNING FOR MULTIPLE AGES

With all users now sharing one space—from two-year-olds up to an after-school group of 12+—the layout became the most important part of the design.

Instead of one large playground, the space was broken into zones. Each area is scaled and positioned to naturally draw in different age groups, allowing younger children and older kids to play alongside each other without competing for the same space.

It’s a layout that supports how kids actually use the space day to day.

MATERIAL & TEXTURE

Another layer of the design came through the use of materials.

A mix of robinia wood, GFRC elements, steel, and rotomolded components were intentionally brought together to create a variety of textures throughout the playground. These weren’t random selections—they were chosen to form a connected climbing and play experience.

For kids, how something feels is just as important as how it looks. Different textures invite different types of interaction, making the space more engaging and dynamic.

SHADE AS ENVIRONMENT

Shade became a key component as the design evolved.

While some shade was included early on, additional coverage was introduced later in the process based on client input. Rather than simply adding structures, the goal was to integrate shade in a way that enhances the overall environment.

The shade structures help define the space, create comfort throughout the day, and support longer periods of use—without taking away from the overall aesthetic.

ADAPTING IN REAL TIME

Construction rarely happens under perfect conditions.

This project was built through the winter months in Oklahoma, which introduced another layer of complexity. A poured-in-place trike track had been part of the design, but cold temperatures made that option unworkable. PIP requires warm, rising temperatures to install properly, and those conditions weren’t there.

Rather than force it, the design pivoted. A low-pile turf track was introduced instead, allowing trikes to move freely while maintaining durability. By using a brown turf, the track still reads as a natural dirt trail—holding onto the original design intent while adapting to real-world conditions.

MOVEMENT & SUPERVISION

With multiple zones and age groups, movement and visibility were critical.

The layout allows for clear sightlines across the space, making it easy for staff to supervise without needing to move constantly. Paths between areas feel natural, and transitions from one zone to another are intuitive.

It’s a balance between freedom and control—giving kids space to explore while keeping the environment manageable for those overseeing it.

FROM CONCEPT TO PLACE

What began as a necessary redesign ultimately led to a more cohesive outcome.

By consolidating the playground into one space and working through the challenges along the way, the result is an environment that feels intentional and complete.

It’s not just a collection of equipment—it’s a place that supports how kids learn, play, and interact every day.

GETTING THE DETAILS RIGHT

Projects like this aren’t defined by one feature.

They’re defined by the accumulation of decisions—how the ground is shaped, how materials are used, how spaces are organized, and how challenges are handled along the way.

Getting those details right is what makes the difference

Projects like this are always tough to put into words—because they start with nothing.

No existing layout, no constraints to work around visually—just an open space and the opportunity to create something from the ground up. At the same time, there’s often more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye, which becomes part of the challenge early on.

DESIGNING THE ENVIRONMENT

With the Seneca-Cayuga Nation, the goal wasn’t just to place equipment. It was to shape an environment that feels intentional and connected to the Tribe.

That means thinking beyond individual pieces and focusing on how the entire space comes together—how it feels, how it flows, and how it reflects both the people and the place.

THE DETAILS THAT SHAPE IT

The design really came together through the details. A winding “river” was built into the surfacing, helping guide movement through the space while tying everything together visually.

Clan animals, each holding meaning to the Tribe, were thoughtfully incorporated throughout—not just as features, but as part of the story. These elements give the playground identity and create moments that kids and families can connect with in a deeper way.

MOVEMENT & EXPERIENCE

From there, it’s about how everything works together—how kids move through it, how spaces open up and compress, and how shade creates comfort without closing things in.

Every decision impacts how the space is experienced, from the first step onto the playground to the way kids naturally find their path through it.

BUILDING WITHIN CONSTRAINTS

What often goes unseen is the challenge of actually bringing a design like this to life. As one of the last contractors on site, we’re working around existing conditions—drain lines, gas lines, utilities—all of which can impact both layout and constructability.

In Northeast Oklahoma, you don’t have to dig very far before you start hitting rock—usually around five feet down. The challenge is, a lot of these structures call for foundations that go much deeper than that. In some cases, we’re looking at ten-foot-deep footings.

That means we can’t just dig and set posts. We have to bring in professional core drillers to cut through solid rock and get the depth we need.

It’s one of those things you don’t see when the project is finished—but it plays a big role in what’s actually possible to design and build. Every decision has to account for what’s happening below the surface, not just what you see above it.

FROM CONCEPT TO PLACE

What starts as a rendering slowly becomes something real. Equipment goes in, surfacing takes shape, and the space begins to come together piece by piece.

And before long, it’s not just a design anymore—it’s a place. One that families can gather in and kids can make their own.

GETTING THE DETAILS RIGHT

These are the kinds of projects that are hardest to capture, because they aren’t about one big idea.

They’re about a hundred small decisions—each one shaping how the space looks, feels, and functions in the end. Getting those details right is what makes the difference.

From site preparation to final installation, our crew worked efficiently to deliver a high-quality playground that will serve families for years to come. We’re proud to partner with organizations like Rogers First Church of the Nazarene that are investing in meaningful spaces for children in our community.

If your church, school, or childcare center is considering an outdoor play upgrade, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Happy Playgrounds was proud to partner with the Town to bring this space to life. This project adds the final piece to a growing community park, providing new recreational opportunities for local families. Despite the approaching seasonal weather, our team successfully completed the installation on schedule.

The new playground features a Playworld® structure designed for children ages 5–12 to encourage imagination and active play. To complement the equipment, we installed synthetic turf for a clean, durable, and low-maintenance surface, along with concrete curb edging for added stability and safety.

This playground serves as the finishing touch to the park’s recent upgrades, which also include a new basketball court. Together, these amenities create a well-rounded space for recreation and community gathering.

Projects like this highlight the Town of Washington’s commitment to investing in spaces that bring people together. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Town, creating a park that will serve the community for years to come, and we are proud of our crew for completing the work right on time.

We look forward to seeing this playground filled with energy and laughter.

2025 Certified Indian Woman Owned Business of the Year

We are incredibly honored to share that Happy Playgrounds has been awarded the Cherokee Nation TERO — 2025 Certified Indian Woman Owned Business of the Year Award! 🎉

This recognition means the world to us. We are proud to partner with the Cherokee Nation and grateful for the opportunity to help build safe, beautiful spaces for children and communities to play, grow, and thrive.

Thank you to the Cherokee Nation TERO team and congratulations to all of the amazing award recipients! Woohoo! 🙌

Grateful for Partnership and Opportunity

Cherokee Nation TERO promotes strong partnerships and expanded opportunity through fair participation in contracting and employment. We’re honored to be recognized for supporting those goals in the communities we serve.

We see this award as a reflection of what we believe deeply: when we build together, kids and communities thrive.

Grand Opening of the Delaware Tribe CDC Playgrounds

We’re thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated playgrounds at the Delaware Tribe Childhood Development Center (CDC) in Bartlesville, OK—a project that beautifully blends thoughtful design with cultural heritage. What began as a challenging landscape with unsafe elevation changes has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive, and educational outdoor environment for the center’s youngest learners.

Awarded through a competitive bid process, the project was led by Amber Fitzgerald, Happy Playgrounds Consultant and Designer. From the very start, the goal was clear: to create safe, developmentally appropriate play spaces that reflect and honor the Lenape (Delaware) culture, while meeting the daily needs of infants, toddlers, and pre-K children.

Designing for Every Age Group

The new playground consists of three distinct areas:

• Infant Area (0–1 years) : Gentle sensory spaces designed for early exploration
• Toddler Area (1–2 years) : Safe zones for new walkers to build strength and coordination
• Pre-K Area (2–5 years) : Challenging yet safe structures for adventurous, imaginative play

Each section was designed to promote sensory exploration, gross motor development, and social play, while also addressing safety concerns due to the original steep terrain.

By regrading and redesigning the space, the team created gentle, accessible play areas that are both stimulating and secure.

Infant Area: Learning Through Movement

In the Infant area, the babies are free to crawl, wobble, and explore at their own pace in a nurturing and open space.

Toddler Area: Sensory and Discovery Play

In the Toddler Area, children can explore a sensory maze wall, take a nap with the large sleeping bear tunnel climber, or climb across the steppers to see what animal they will discover.

Pre-K Area: Imaginative Adventures and cultural Touchpoints

In the Pre-K area, children can imagine flowing down the river in the canoes, flying with the butterflies in the play garden, or resting in the play huts that were designed from the Lenape culture.

Safety from the Ground Up

To support long-term maintenance and safety, over 12,000 square feet of synthetic turf was installed throughout the playground areas. This surfacing not only enhances accessibility and provides a soft, consistent play surface, it also significantly reduces maintenance needs.

Indoor Learning—Now Outside

Monica Fisher, Childcare Director at the CDC, had a visionary request: “Bring everything we do indoors, outside.”

And that’s exactly what we did. The renovated spaces now include:

• Outdoor classrooms
• Shaded napping and eating areas
• Nature-based creative play stations

Celebrating Lenape Culture

The Delaware Tribe, known as the Lenape, holds deep reverence for animals such as the wolf, turtle, and turkey—each representing different Lenape clans and values. We honored these symbols by installing custom animal climbers that help children learn and connect through imaginative play. These custom climbers aren’t just play equipment—they’re storytelling tools. Children interact with the wolf, turtle, and turkey, sparking conversations about clan identity, values, and traditions.

We also created outdoor learning panels in the Lenape language, weaving cultural education into the physical landscape. This effort supports the Tribe’s language revitalization mission and makes cultural pride part of everyday discovery.

A Place to Grow, Learn, and Belong

What was once a hazardous and underutilized space is now a cultural classroom, a nature play haven, and a safe retreat for exploration and growth. It reflects not just smart design—but the spirit of a community that deeply values its children, language, and traditions.

We’re honored to have played a part in this transformation—and excited to see how this space continues to enrich the lives of the children and families of the Delaware Tribe.

Revitalizing Preserve Park:

A Springtime Turf Transformation in
Broken Arrow

Spring showers couldn’t dampen our spirits at Happy Playgrounds LLC as we teamed up with the City of Broken Arrow to give Preserve Park a fresh, low-maintenance makeover. What was once a playground blanketed by 16 inches of aged mulch has been reborn lush and green—just in time for Memorial Day festivities.

Tackling 16 Inches of Mulch—and Then Some

Beneath the playground equipment lay a deep bed of aging mulch, accumulated over years of active community use. Our crew carefully removed every inch, ensuring no stray pieces would compromise the new surface. Once the mulch was gone, we installed a robust rock sub-base to guarantee proper drainage and long-term stability. It was a labor-intensive phase, but seeing the perfect foundation emerge made every scoop worthwhile.

Racing Against the Rain

Late-spring weather in northeastern Oklahoma is legendary for its unpredictability—and 2025 did not disappoint. Thunderstorms rolled in almost daily, threatening to wash away progress. Still, armed with tarps, temporary drainage channels, and a determined team, we capitalized on every dry hour. In the span of just a few workable days, turf panels were unrolled, seams locked, infill applied, and edges secured.

Ahead of Memorial Day, Ahead of Expectations

Despite Mother Nature’s mood swings, we wrapped up the project with days to spare before Memorial Day weekend. Park visitors arrived to find a welcoming, vibrant space that’s not only safe and ADA-friendly, but also extremely low maintenance—no more mulch to rake or replace.

“It’s moments like these—when community, craftsmanship, and tight deadlines align—that make our work so rewarding,” says Justin McElhany, Project Manager at Happy Playgrounds LLC.

Looking Forward: A Lasting Partnership

We’re incredibly proud to support the City of Broken Arrow in enhancing its parks. Preserve Park’s transformation is just the start: featuring synthetic turf that holds up to rain, sun, and play, it offers families more time to enjoy the outdoors with less maintenance required. We look forward to building on this success and collaborating on future projects that bring joy, safety, and beauty to Broken Arrow’s outdoor spaces.

Plan Your Visit

Preserve Park is located at 3000 North 37th St., Broken Arrow, OK 74014. Stop by to experience the new synthetic turf playground, cool off at the splash pad, stroll the scenic walking path, and unwind by the tranquil pond. Whether you’re here with kids, friends, or flying solo, the revitalized park offers something for everyone—rain or shine!

A Dream Playground Coming to Life

One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing a community’s vision become real. South Tulsa Baptist is doing exactly that—creating a joyful, safe space where children can play, grow, and thrive.

Debbie Steen with South Tulsa Baptist is seeing her dream come to life, and we’re grateful to be part of a project that will serve their kids and families for years to come.

This 14-sided steel framed inner structure is called a “Tetradecahedron”. Ropes and transfer points lead up 3 levels to a solid platform, and at the highest level, kids can ring the bell as a form of achievement! Wondering how Playworld created this name? Let me tell you! Quito is the closest capital city to the equator and is the second highest elevated capital city in the world. (La Paz, Bolivia is the highest, but the name isn’t nearly as cool!!)

The “before” image of the Sunrise Park (above left) and what we created on the right showcase the playground’s modernization. Playgrounds have come a long way!

Not only did Norman get the first Quito in the state but they had it custom painted pink! The parks department conducted a bit of research and learned that the color pink has been proven to be a calming color. And of course, pink is the color for Breast Cancer Awareness, so this color is a WIN WIN! We love it mixed with the chartreuse and turquoise colors.

While the Quito is a “statement” in itself, we also added Playworld’s Exclusive, Mighty Descent Slide, to the Quito. That combination gives one the perfect exit component from the Quito’s web of ropes. So thankful for Playworld’s engineering teams that designed these components! It is as though the Quito and Mighty Descent Slide are like Milk & Cookies—meant to be enjoyed together!

Happy Playgrounds is proud to partner with the City of Norman and grateful for their teams forward thinking vision for this unforgetable playground.