Memorial Parkway Elementary Opens New Park to All

The Memorial Parkway Elementary (MPE) Choir officially kicked off the dedication ceremony of their new SPARK Park, which is now available for public use during non-school hours and on weekends.

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS – Katy, Texas

December 4, 2017

Collaboration between the district, city, parents, and staff
This park is a collaborative effort between Katy ISD, MPE parents, students, staff, the PTA, as well as local entities, who together contributed to the SPARK grant in the amount of $129,331. The park includes a concrete trail, sensory play panels, modular playground equipment, an amphitheater and other amenities. When visitors walk through the main entrance of the park, they will notice the school mascot, a panther, as well as 26 new trees from Trees for Houston.

“Our area was considered a park desert because there are no local parks where children could go to play,” said Assistant Principal Sharlu Melville, who led the effort to create the park.

Benefiting everyone, not just students
“With this park, we are benefiting not only the school and its students, but also strengthening this community and its families,” added Ashley Vann, Board of Trustee President.

SPARK, an organization created in 1983 to increase park and recreational spaces in the Greater Houston area, has helped to turn underutilized school playgrounds into neighborhood parks at more than 200 locations. This is the third SPARK Park at a Katy ISD school.