Elam Park Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

New park in southwest Broken Arrow offers inclusive play for all

The City of Broken Arrow celebrated the grand opening of the much-awaited Elam Park, a new public space designed to embody the values of inclusivity and accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 4:30 p.m.

The celebration marks the completion of Elam Park Phase 1, which is approximately 9.5 developed acres of the 53-acre property located at 2900 W. Florence St., between Olive and Aspen Avenues.

Elam Park is an Investment 

Elam Park represents a significant investment in the community's future, at a cost of $4.3 million, most of which was paid for by the 2018 General Obligation bond.

"Elam Park Phase 1 is another exciting development in south Broken Arrow! It's a project that we, as a community, are building together, demonstrating our shared commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of life in our community," said Mayor Debra Wimpee. "I wake up every day proud that I get to call Broken Arrow home, and Elam Park is something we can all be proud of."

Elam Park includes several standout features designed to enhance the park experience for everyone, including:

• A Destination Playground—A state-of-the-art inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, featuring adaptive equipment that accommodates a variety of physical, sensory, and developmental needs.
• Restroom Facilities—Modern, fully accessible facilities to ensure comfort and convenience for all visitors.
• A Feature Fence and a Tree Grove Picnic Area—A beautiful, natural space for picnicking and gathering.
• Parking Lot—Parking to accommodate park visitors.

"When Broken Arrow voters approved Proposition 3 of the 2018 Build Our Future BA General Obligation Bond, they said yes to allocating bond money to develop a new park in the southwestern part of the city," City Manager Michael Spurgeon said. "With the help of the Southwest Park Advisory Committee, the City Council, and Parks and Recreation Director Matt Hendren, Elam Park Phase 1 demonstrates that we are creating a destination park we can all experience together. Elam Park is another example of why Broken Arrow is the best place to live, work, and play!"

Elam Park's is Inclusive

What sets Elam Park apart from other parks in the city is the overarching theme of inclusivity. The park's design provides an environment where children of all abilities can play together, ensuring that no one is left out. The inclusive playground is equipped with ramps, wide pathways, adaptive swings, and sensory-rich play elements, creating an environment that is accessible to children in wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges. The synthetic turf and thoughtfully designed play areas ensure safety and engagement for all.

“The adaptive playground at Elam Park goes beyond traditional park designs by offering a fully accessible and enriching play experience for every child, regardless of ability. It's a space where all children can grow physically, cognitively, and socially," said Parks and Recreation Director Matt Hendren, who has been actively involved in creating the park. "This project sends a clear message to families, especially those with children with disabilities, that they are welcome and supported in our community."

Elam Park is a Milestone

Elam Park is the first park of its kind in Broken Arrow, and its opening represents a significant milestone for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The park is expected to serve as a model for future Parks and Recreation developments, ensuring that inclusivity and accessibility remain central to community planning.

The name Elam Park pays homage to the park's proximity to the original town of Elam and honors the history of Broken Arrow. The townsite of Elam was settled in 1901 south of 111th St. on 140th E. Ave. in a cotton field on the Elam Hodge farm. Soon after the rail line was built, and Broken Arrow was formally established, the people of Elam hauled their homes, general store, and cotton gin they had constructed in Elam and moved it all to Broken Arrow. They became some of the town's principal citizens.