Holmsley ES Receives SPARK Park Playground Donation
Holmsley Elementary School invited students, staff, PTO members and representatives from CFISD administration to a groundbreaking ceremony on May 15 to celebrate the installation of the campus’ new SPARK School Park playground.
The SPARK School Park program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds. Parks consist of modular playground equipment, a walking trail, benches, picnic tables, trees, an outdoor classroom and a public art component.
“SPARK is excited that Holmsley is the first school chosen to receive a SPARK Park in CFISD,” said Kathleen Ownby, executive director for the SPARK School Park program. “The school has raised $5,000 and the school district has contributed $5,000 toward equipment costing over $100,000.”
To be considered for a SPARK school park, school principals send a request asking to be considered for site selection. After site visits by SPARK staff, the community must demonstrate a willingness to help plan and fund the park. After schools are selected to receive the SPARK park, a committee consisting of PTO, civic club members, parents and teachers is then formed to determine the features that will be included in their park.
The large modular equipment that will be installed at Holmsley will be covered with a hip shade and feature the school colors. Two new benches and five new tables will also be added to the playground. The park will be open to the community after school, on weekends and holidays.
“We are so excited to be the first school in CFISD to break ground with SPARK School Park program,” said Ana Diaz, Holmsley principal. “We are so appreciative of the hard work and the dedication our Holmsley PTO put in to make this happen for our students and community.”
The playground, which will be the first of its kind in CFISD, will be installed over the summer. SPARK also plans to build parks at Lieder Elementary School and Tipps Elementary School.
Source: CFISD
