Sampson Elementary in Cy-Fair ISD Celebrates New All-Inclusive Playground for All Abilities
Sampson Elementary School in Cy-Fair ISD recently celebrated the grand opening of its new all-inclusive playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 12. The event was attended by students, staff, and community members, all eager to see the new playground, which is designed to accommodate children of all abilities.
The playground features a soft rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, along with several accessible play structures, including a “surfboard” apparatus that allows multiple children to play together, two wheelchair ramps, and a slide designed for children with limited mobility. This new playground becomes the second all-inclusive playground in the district, following the installation of a similar structure at Swenke Elementary School.
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“We have students and members of our community that have special needs, and we wanted to provide a space where every child could play,” said Amy Staats, president of the Sampson PTO. “As a parent, it warms my heart to see all our kids play together. This playground helps our community come together, and it shows that we can make a difference. It’s inspiring to see the joy on the kids’ faces.”
The project was made possible through the efforts of Sampson’s students, PTO, and local community, who raised over $200,000 to fund the playground. Contributions from MUD districts 364 and 365, totaling $77,875 and $50,000 respectively, played a key role, along with support from Girl Scout Troop 109126 and local businesses.
The all-inclusive playground includes a soft cushion rubberized surface, a “surfboard” apparatus that can hold multiple children “I’ve worked in this community for more than 16 years, and this playground is now a place where everyone in the community can gather, play, and meet their neighbors,” said Heather Motzny, principal of Sampson Elementary. “This is an incredible opportunity for everyone to come together. There is something for everyone in this new playground. Our Sampson PTO is amazing, and when I approached them with the idea of an all-inclusive playground, they were fully on board. Together, we’ve created something special for the community.”
Sampson Elementary also plans to expand the playground with additional equipment as more funds are raised. The playground will serve as a hub for students and families, fostering connections among the Sampson community and promoting a sense of belonging for all with equal opportunities to play, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
