Broken Bones, Complaints Lead to Playground Closure

After parents protested a series of playground accidents at Palmquist Elementary, Oceanside Unified School District officials have decided to close a play structure while they investigate the concerns.

Fourteen students have broken their arms since 2007 at the site.

“I think it's excessive. I think kids are going to break their arms, but I think 14 in three years is too many,” said parent Tiffany Coates.

Her daughter broke her arm in two places last year while in the first grade. She was on a zip line and when it hit the end, she fell and used her arm to break the fall.

Coates says she is not qualified to say how the problem should be fixed, but says she knows there is a problem needing attention.

Stemming from an article posted by our media partners The North County Times and other media reports, the district decided to close off access to the Palmquist structure as well as one at San Luis Rey Elementary School.

The paper reported Palmquist principal Phyllis Morgan sent a letter to parents saying, "The district is in the process of re-evaluating this equipment and will soon determine whether it will be necessary to modify and/or replace these playground items."

Contact Us