By: Abby Coven

News Editor 

Earlier this year, the Town of Los Gatos closed parts of the Oak Meadow Park playground, fencing off the iconic World War II airplane and removing both the historic fire truck and wooden train. Many local residents lament that these unconventional and authentic play structures have inspired the imaginations of children for decades. Given how influential these play areas have been in the lives of Los Gatos families, social media commentary on this topic has been growing. 

A Town of Los Gatos Parks and Sustainability Commission Report dated Jul. 31, 2025 cited safety concerns in its review of the conditions of certain playground equipment. The report identified the jet plane and fire truck as “not being traditional equipment designed for playground use.” The wooden train was deemed an “aging structure that has fallen into disrepair.” Town officials recommended full fencing around the airplane, which they now have, to protect children from unsafe recreation. Staff intends to add a sign that details the plane’s history. Currently, the only sign states, “Airplane is A Display Only DO NOT TOUCH.” They also intend to replace the retired structures with one piece of equipment that will “retain a [similar] transportation…theme.” 

The historic Air Force plane is a Lockheed T-33A “T-Bird” Jet Trainer that was acquired and installed in 1974. Long time resident James Vanderlaan served on the Los Gatos Parks Commission in the 1960s and 70s. In his time on the commission he arranged the donation of a World War II airplane for Oak Meadow Park by working with Town Mayor Ruth Cannon’s husband, William, a manager at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. For liability reasons, they decided to remove the engine and fill the front portion with concrete making it safer for kids to play. The current jet actually replaced the first airplane in Oak Meadow Park, which was an Air Force F86 Sabre, a fighter jet used in the Korean War during the early 1950s.

The decommissioned fire truck was another popular playground attraction because of its authentic look, large steering wheel, and big tires. Located near the bucket swings, the fire engine and the wooden train were longtime playground features. Sophomore Sara Bluestone reminisced about regular visits to the Oak Meadow Park playground as a child:“It feels like they are removing a piece of my childhood.”

Jeff Collins, LGHS graduate of the class of 2005, grew up playing on the fighter jet and fire truck as a young child. When asked his opinion on the park’s remodeling, Collins said, “I am a very big believer that change is not always a bad thing … However, to remove the iconic firetruck and fence in the air force fighter jet, and not try to replace it with something similar for new generations to enjoy is not only illogical, but unfair to future generations.” Collins cautions the Town about replacing these timeless structures with “random jungle gym equipment and expecting kids to get the same thrill and enjoyment that we got as kids. They won’t.”