'We Were Really Excited:' Broken Arrow's Elam Park Opens To The Public

Dozens of kids in Broken Arrow got to be the first ones to play in a new park that opened on Wednesday.

The City of Broken Arrow says Elam Park near Florence and Aspen is built so everyone can use it, and it’s easy for kids in wheelchairs to enjoy.

Several parents say their kids have been waiting months to try out the new playground and they’re glad to see the park close to home.

Elym Gattnby was one of the kids who was excited to try it out.

"I like to go on the slides and just play around a lot,” said Gattnby.

Gattnby says she was excited to try out the new park because she loves hanging out with her friends.

"Sometimes we play duck duck goose and all my friends always just go upside down and do flips all the time,” said Gattnby.

The park was designed with things like adapted swings and ramps so people of all abilities can enjoy it.

Plus, they’re adding more things to do in the southwest part of town.

"When you look at our entire square mileage, you want to make sure that residents have reasonable access to services and improvements all throughout the city,” said Michael Spurgeon, the City Manager for the City of Broken Arrow. “The southwest part of a town is a newer developing area, in the last 10 to 15 years for sure. Sometimes the public improvements come after you have the private development."

Jordan Foyil says his kids love the park and he’s glad it’s basically in their backyard.

"We were really excited, I told them we would go by and just check it out,” said Foyil. “They lost it when they saw it. We got out, and we're just really enjoying ourselves. This is our tax money going to good causes. I encourage everyone to come out, and let their kids play, just get active."

Gattnby says she can’t wait to come back.

"It's great, and you should go,” said Gattnby. "It's the greatest park ever."

The city says there is still a phase two for this project that could include things like a community center.

Voters will get the chance to decide on that in two years.