Parents are protesting a new $51 million Chicago school for not having enough play space for students.
The Ogden International School of Chicago, opened this year, doesn't technically have a playground. Instead there's a caged-in play area on the roof.
Some students call the space "the cage" and say there's no playground equipment. Parents want to know why neighboring Washington Square Park, kitty-corner from the school, can't be used. The school says there are safety issues with students crossing Dearborn.
Nicholas Covello, a parent, said administrators plan to talk with third, fourth and fifth graders Friday to hear problems they have with "the cage" and try to address them.
Ogden isn't alone when it comes to recess issues. The Chicago Tribune reports that less than half of Chicago Public Schools have recess.
That's about to change, though. Per Mayor Rahm Emanuel's longer-school day plan, recess is required.
CPS says it's working with the Chicago Park District to try and help schools with space issues leading up to the fall when Emanuel's longer day is implemented.
Ogden parents say that might not be soon enough. Covello said parents have postponed a scheduled 3:15 p.m.protest at Washington Square Park to hear what administrators tell students.
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