Despite heavy rains earlier in the morning, the clouds parted just in time for the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, celebrating the future SPARK Park at Hoyland Elementary School in Spring ISD.

Held inside the school due to weather conditions, the event brought together district leaders, community partners, staff, students, and parents to celebrate the latest campus selected to receive a SPARK Park — a shared community green space designed to serve both students and surrounding neighborhoods.

“I’m so grateful to have walked into this opportunity,” said Hoyland principal Jeanine Wilson, who also recognized former campus leaders and the many partners who helped bring the project to life. “I didn’t make this happen — the work began before I arrived — so thank you to our Hoyland team.”

Spring ISD Board Trustee Winford Adams, Jr. highlighted the park’s long-term impact on students and families.

“There are several great things about this park project,” Adams said. “One is that the community will have access to a trail around the park, offering opportunities for exercise and recreation.”

Adams also celebrated the inclusion of student artwork within the park design, noting that students would be able to return years later and proudly say they helped create the space.

“We talk a lot in this district about leaving a legacy, and this is how you build a lasting legacy,” Adams told students in attendance. “The artwork you all created will be part of this park for years and years to come. When you graduate from high school, you’ll be able to come back and say, ‘I helped create this.’”

The SPARK School Park Program works with schools and neighborhoods to develop community parks on public school grounds. Since 1983, SPARK has built more than 200 community parks throughout the Houston and Harris County area, with more than 160 active parks currently in operation. The parks are designed based on the needs and ideas of each school and the surrounding neighborhood, and often include playground equipment, walking trails, benches, outdoor classrooms, trees, and public art components.

Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar shared how SPARK Parks strengthen communities and support student growth.

“As a former principal myself, I had the privilege and honor of also having a SPARK Park at one of my campuses, and I can tell you from experience what it did for my community,” Cuellar said. “It unified our community in more ways than you can imagine.”

Cuellar added that the park reflects Spring ISD’s “new era of excellence” and the district’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students and families.

“The park will foster the four pillars you see represented here today: play, learn, create, and grow,” said Cuellar. “And that is exactly what this park will do. You are going to have an incredible opportunity to truly understand what a SPARK Park can do — not only for a community, but for you as students as you continue to grow and accelerate in your learning journey.”

According to SPARK School Park Program Executive Director Elizabeth Howley, once completed, the Hoyland SPARK Park will serve approximately 4,500 residents living within a 10-minute walk of the school.

“What a wonderful day it is,” Howley said. “Even though it was raining earlier, the clouds have parted, and I’m truly delighted to be here with all of you as we celebrate this SPARK Park groundbreaking.”

Howley also shared the history of the SPARK program, which was founded in 1983 by former Houston City Council member Eleanor Tinsley to help transform school grounds into accessible community green spaces.

Former SPARK Executive Director Kathleen Ownby, who recently retired after 37 years of leadership with the organization, reflected on the years-long effort to expand SPARK into the district.

“We immediately felt this was such a great location because it serves so many families in the nearby apartment communities and surrounding neighborhoods,” Ownby said. “It gives students and families a place to gather, play, and burn off some energy in a safe and welcoming environment.”

SPARK currently partners with 18 school districts and four charter schools across the Greater Houston area. Through the partnership, Spring ISD contributes funding and oversees construction and maintenance of each park while schools and communities help raise additional support through campus and community fundraising efforts.

Construction on the park is expected to take place throughout the summer months, with plans to return for an official dedication ceremony during the 2026-27 school year. 

Once completed, the Hoyland SPARK Park will remain open for public use after school hours, on weekends, and during holidays, creating a lasting resource for both students and the surrounding community.