Applying for a SPARK Park

• The principal of the school should send a request on school letterhead to SPARK asking to be considered for site selection.

• The SPARK staff makes a site visit to all schools that have applied to discuss the request with the principal and other interested parties. Site visits by SPARK staff confirm existing relationships between school and community—through churches, businesses, and civic clubs. The neighborhood must demonstrate a willingness to help plan and fund the park.

• The SPARK staff meets with principals of selected schools to outline the park construction process. The goal is for parks to be completed within 12–18 months.

Once a school is selected, the principal forms a SPARK committee made up of PTO/PTA, civic club members, parents, and teachers to determine what features will be included in their park. Touring existing SPARK Parks shows what playground equipment is available and how art and landscaping are integrated into the design. As a result of these influences, talents, and efforts, every SPARK Park emerges unique, reflecting the needs, interests, and creative efforts of its particular neighborhood.

In the fall of 2019, SPARK was awarded a second $5 million grant from Houston Endowment and the Kinder Foundation to build 30 SPARK parks over the next three years in park desert areas of Houston/ Harris County.  As a result, the majority of schools selected during this time must qualify based on location data provided by The Trust for Public Land.

SPARK Art

SPARK began installing public art in 1991.  Since then, over 100 schools have chosen to incorporate public art such as murals, mosaics, or sculptures into their parks. In 2001, SPARK began publishing and distributing an annual art calendar highlighting public art projects at its various schools. Each year, approximately 15,000 calendars are distributed.  SPARK also has a coloring book, which is distributed to students at park dedications.

Artist/Community Relationship

When an artist decides to work with SPARK, s/he understands first, that while they will bring their own style and experience to the project, their primary role will be as a vehicle of expression for the community, and second, that student and community involvement are among their highest priorities.

Community Involvement History

SPARK was a non-profit partner of the Bayou City Art Festival from 2007-2012.  SPARK provided volunteers and shared in the profits of the spring and fall events. From 2011 through 2013, SPARK partnered with Charming Charlie stores, turning damaged materials into beautiful collages with a theme of “A Day in the Park.”  Collages were sold as a fundraiser for SPARK.  Seventy schools from four school districts participated in the collage project.  Students from Northbrook Middle School also used the materials to create an Art Car for the 2013 Art Car Parade

Video

Mandarin Immersion Magnet School SPARK Park celebrates 100 Years of the Better Business Bureau

SPARK Park + Sinclair Elementary

Dedication at Wedgewood Elementary in Clear Creek ISD

Houston PBS Arts InSight Interview with Kathleen Ownby about SPARK and Wilson Montessori.

Retailer charming charlie produced a video about their collaborative project with SPARK. Students used recycled jewelry to create SPARKling art collages.