UPDATE: Lawton Elmer Thomas Park Playground IS OPEN

"OOOOklahoma Where the Winds Come Sweeping Down the Plains"...It's not just our State Song, it is an everyday reality.  That's why it's in the song.  Over the last few weeks, Lawton has been under several wind advisories, particularly in reference to the extreme fire danger associated with the high winds.

I remember laying in bed last night listening to the wind, which seemed to last forever, and thought, 'I wonder what my back porch looks like?', with all of the chairs and decorations that I usually have on the porch, the wind is taking its toll.  I'm sure I'll have some clean-up when I get home this afternoon.

The City of Lawton has some clean-up of its own.  I saw several branches down this morning, and then got the notice of some damage that is causing the playground in Lawton's Elmer Thomas Park to be closed until further notice.  Last night's wind storm tore one of the shade structures that cover the park, and that along with the rain that Lawton has seen over the weekend has delayed the repairs, as trucks are not able to get to the structure on soggy ground.

I was at the park this morning, and the City of Lawton crews are already at work trying to take down the torn shade fabric and accessing the best way to make repairs.

Once repairs have been completed, the City will post an announcement on their web page, and we will pass along that info as well, but for now, no matter how nice the weather, you'll not have access to the Play Place, as my grands call it, until further notice!

attachment-COL PSA - Elmer Thomas Park Playground

UPDATE:  Hats off  to the City of Lawton Crew!  They were able to remove the torn shade fabric and repair the playground enough to re-open the playground within about 6 hours of having to close it due to the shade flapping above the playground.  Enjoy the playground during these sunny days!