Pasadena, TX – On Thursday, April 12, 2024, the Pasadena Independent School District celebrated the re-SPARK of Kruse Elementary's SPARK Park, originally dedicated in 2013. The event was a joyous occasion for the Kruse Comets, with students receiving SPARK coloring books to mark the day.

The park is a collaborative effort between Kruse parents, students, and the community. The newly revamped park features a Custom KidBuilder structure, an inclusive team totter, 3 Bay Arch swings with integrated shade, and a multi-user disc swing. All Play served as the playground contractors for this significant project.

The SPARK Park received $100,000 in "park desert" funding from the Kinder Foundation, Houston Endowment, Cullen Foundation, and the Brown Foundation. This park at Kruse Elementary helps achieve the goal of ensuring city and county residents have a park within a ten-minute or half-mile walk.

To honor the occasion, Frank Gonzalez from Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia's office presented a U.S. flag that had flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Paola Vela from State Representative Mary Ann Perez's office presented a Texas flag that has flown over the Capitol in Austin. Additionally, State Senator Carol Alvarado's office presented a certificate of recognition.

The celebration was attended by Kruse Elementary administrators, teachers, students, and community parents. Attendees enjoyed a special performance by Kruse Elementary students in rodeo fashion. The Pasadena High School Eagles were also honored, with various students participating in flag presentations during the ceremony.

This celebration couldn't have been possible without the efforts of many individuals who helped Kruse Principal Sandra Buckner dedicate the SPARK Park, including Nelson Espitia and Ponciano Aldaco representing the Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s office, Constable Jerry Garcia of Harris County Precinct 2, Mayor Jeff Wagner, Pasadena ISD Superintendent Toni Lopez, City of Pasadena Rex Lindberg, Pasadena ISD Board & Administration, John Cole from All Play, Tanya White from BaseLine Paving & Construction, and SPARK Board Members Anne Sung, Michele Fraga, and Carla Wyatt.

The SPARK organization, established by former Houston City Councilwoman Eleanor Tinsley in 1983, utilizes available land to create green spaces on school properties. Since its inception, SPARK has built over 200 community parks throughout the Houston/Harris County area, with more than 160 active SPARK Parks. Several of these parks are located at Pasadena ISD schools.