23212 Barker Rd
Bothell, WA 98021

This elementary school has one of the most unsafe playgrounds compared to other schools in the neighborhood. Although money is regularly spent on maintenance, the playground equipment is extremely outdated. The swing sets are very old and frequently fall apart. There are exposed metal pieces and splinters under the structures, and there are not enough woodchips to cushion falls. As a result, children have been injured, including broken arms and legs.My own child suffered a head injury from an old swinging pole that has reportedly been there since the 1960s. Despite these obvious safety issues, the Northshore School District did not appear to conduct adequate inspections or take action.Instead, the PTA had to organize fundraising efforts just to repair and replace some of the playground equipment. At the same time, the district recently spent millions of dollars to build an upper soccer field with advanced water drainage, while the playground itself still floods.This raises serious concerns about priorities and oversight. When the Michael Tolley visited the school, it felt more like a public appearance than a genuine effort to address the safety problems. The explanation given was that this school was simply not selected for playground renovation.When I went to the school to document the unsafe conditions with photos, the vice principal followed me around, which felt intimidating.In addition, a child who pushed my child and caused harm was never disciplined. Meanwhile, parents of the injured child, along with the PTA, requested improvements to make the playground safer for students. Those concerns were dismissed as merely an “unfortunate” event.Children deserve a safe place to play. The ongoing neglect of this playground and the lack of accountability from the district are deeply concerning.