Tiger Paw Cuts Ribbon on 2 New Playgrounds

Every child deserves a place to play — and now, thanks to a new accessible playground and an update to the existing playground at Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center, that vision is becoming a reality. Students have been playing on the new spaces for weeks, but the school officially celebrated this milestone in inclusion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 29.

“The addition of the two playgrounds allows us to really be able to focus on the development of our students,” said Tiger Paw Principal Dr. Elizabeth Dawson, who also thanked the Board of Education, PTA, parents and staff who advocated for the space. “Playgrounds that are accessible and inclusive ensure that every single one of our students has the ability to interact with peers in meaningful ways while they are playing outside.” 

Dawson said in preschool, playgrounds serve as an additional classroom, helping to lay the foundation for students’ future educational career.

“We cannot tell you how excited we are for this opportunity. Seeing the joy our kids have as they are out engaging in those pieces of the equipment,” she said. “To see their ability to run, to access, to climb, the growth in their motor skills — we’re already seeing it pay off. It has been such an important addition.” 

Superintendent Dr. Lori Wilson thanked the community for their continued support, saying that the playgrounds fall in line with the district’s new mission.

“Our mission is to foster connections, drive innovation, and create a supportive learning environment where each student can achieve success,” Wilson said. “This is part of the foundation that allows our students to achieve success in the future.”

These playgrounds were made possible through surplus funds from our 2022 bond. School Board President Amber Bryant thanked the voters and said these spaces are more than simply playgrounds. 

“It’s a promise. A promise that every child, regardless of ability, has the right to play, to belong, and to be seen,” she said. “Inclusive playgrounds give a place for all students to explore, build friendships, and play side by side. Really, this playground belongs to our students, and I really just want it to be a place of fun and laughter.”

The 2022 bond provided funding for the construction of three storm shelters across the district and an indoor activities building at the high school. All of those projects were completed on time and under budget in the fall of 2024. With approximately $5 million remaining, designated specifically for brick-and-mortar projects, the Ozark Board of Education identified various projects to complete, including the playgrounds, refinishing the tennis courts, updating the baseball and softball fields, replacing chillers in two buildings, installing a video scoreboard at the stadium, upgrading lighting in the high school auditorium, and roof repairs at OHS. Many of these projects were completed in summer 2025. 

Keep up to date with these projects and learn more about the 2022 bond at ozarktigers.org/bond.