Since opening its doors in 1967, Teaticket Elementary School has served as a cornerstone of the East Falmouth community, educating more than 27,700 students over the past five decades. Generations of families have passed through Teaticket’s classrooms, reinforcing the school’s role as both an educational institution and a community gathering place.

The school’s former playground was originally constructed in 2000 through a collaborative community effort. At that time, the Town of Falmouth contributed $90,000 toward the project, and through volunteer labor and self-installation, the school community was able to save an additional $30,000. Local families, town staff, and community members worked together over a single weekend to install the playground, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to providing safe and engaging outdoor play opportunities for Teaticket students. Historical photographs and documentation of this effort are available.

Over time, however, the playground aged beyond its useful life and was ultimately deemed unsafe and condemned, requiring full removal due to liability and safety concerns. While the community’s original investment served students well for many years, the loss of this playground has left Teaticket Elementary School with only one remaining play structure—one that is not developmentally appropriate for younger students and is not ADA-compliant.

This history highlights both the community’s tradition of investing in student well-being and the urgent need for renewed support. A new inclusive playground will honor this legacy while ensuring that current and future generations of Teaticket students—including those with disabilities and complex needs—have access to safe, accessible, and developmentally appropriate outdoor play.