Park playground mulch may contain plastic pieces, roofing materials, city says

TULSA - The City of Tulsa closed sections of Helmerich Park at 7301 S. Riverside Dr. and Hunter Park at 5804 E. 91 ^st St., in order for city crews to remove mulch that could potentially have plastic pieces or roofing materials included in the playing surface, city officials said Friday.

March’s Mulch, a contractor of the Parks and Recreation Department, recently delivered a new batch of mulch that was only used in Helmerich and Hunter parks, city spokeswoman Michelle Allen said.

One swing area at Helmerich Park has been temporarily closed and all of the playground equipment areas at Hunter Park have been closed, Allen said.

“After hearing reports from other cities that March’s Mulch may have other materials included in their mulch, the Tulsa Parks and Recreation Department is taking a proactive approach by closing sections of Helmerich and Hunter parks temporarily,” Lucy Dolman, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department said. 

Allen said she hopes to have Helmerich Park and Hunter Park open by early next week, after the mulch has been replaced in each of the playground areas.