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Our community now boasts an all-inclusive playground at Sampson Elementary!  

 

Last year Sampson Elementary celebrated its 20th Anniversary and underwent a building renovation, but playgrounds are not included in CFISD improvement projects. As many in the Coles Crossing Community are aware, we enjoy an expansive playground at Sampson, which is complete with trees, a basketball blacktop, a track, swings and soccer goal. However, the main play structure feature was in major disrepair. Heather Motzny, the Principal at Sampson, began working with the PTO to expand fundraising efforts in pursuit of an upgraded structure with a focus in mind of “inclusion”. These structures allow participants of varying mobility accessibility and participation in play, but perhaps even more importantly, they encourage group play. This would be the second of its kind on a CFISD campus. The campaign was met with huge support from Sampson families and our community at-large:

 

“Sampson Elementary School is literally and figuratively at the heart of Coles Crossing - and the reason my wife Melissa told me we were moving to the neighborhood. Supporting the playground project was a no-brainer for the Dads Club as maintaining Coles Crossing as a “first choice” neighborhood is a priority for the organization. Investing in Sampson is investing in Coles.” -Rich Henderson, Founding President CCDC “MUD 364 was excited to partner with the Sampson PTO on this project. The playground is more than just a play structure. It’s a place where generations of Coles Crossing kids build memories.”

 

As of November 2024, Phase One to the playground project is complete! Special thanks are in order to some of the major players who made Phase One happen: Sampson Elementary School PTO, funding over $86,000, MUD 364 reinvesting $50,000; and MUD 365 who injected over $78,000 in community reinvestment funds.

 

Rolled into the PTO donation were smaller, but incredibly meaningful contributions from local Girl Scout troops #109093 & #109126 and Willie’s restaurant. 

 

Phase Two fundraising ($115,000) has begun with the recent donation of $7,500 from the Coles Crossing Dad’s Club, who raised the funds at their BBQ Cookoff on Oct 19. A gracious family residing in Coles Crossing has also pledged a private donation for 2025.  The timeline for Phase Two will be dictated by the tempo of funds to be raised. The vision is to expand Phase One to include fully inclusive and accessible swings. For Phase Two donations, please contact Amber Fasheh at acfasheh@gmail.com.