Volunteers Leave Lasting Footprint at Odom Elementary

Disponible en: Español

Two years ago, the old playground at Odom Elementary School had to be shut down and eventually dismantled due to safety issues. Since the closing of the old playground, more than 800 students have dreamed for the day when once again they could enjoy the gift of play. That dream became a reality on December 11.

Thanks to KaBoom, who found a benefactor for the playground, and to the generosity of Quantum Resources Management for funding the playground, Odom Elementary now has a spectacular, brand new playground. It has a central playground structure, a fire truck, a climbing dome, a sandbox, a painted hopscotch area, picnic tables, planters and benches. The playground also includes an outdoor classroom that includes seats, a stage, a teaching platform and a chalkboard. Decorative walkways connect the outdoor areas so that all of Odom’s students have access to the various structures and design areas.

Within a span of six hours, a dusty, vacant lot was transformed into a wonderland that inspires creativity as well as imaginative play and learning. Alan Smith, the CEO of Quantum Resources Management, brought approximately 80 employees to work alongside approximately 80 parents, campus staff members and students to transform the mundane into magic.

Volunteers were divided into 16 work groups. They could be seen digging holes, mixing concrete, assembling playground structures, sawing wood, hammering and bolting benches, and so much more. There even moved a mountain of 114 yards of mulch to pad the central playground floor so that students can play in safety. Other volunteers worked behind the scenes to welcome volunteers, prepare for the day’s events and provide food for the hungry workers. Mr. and Mrs. Juan Lozano, owners of STAR Karaoke Entertainment, provided entertainment and music to ensure everyone had a lot of fun.

A ceremony culminated the day’s events. Odom Principal Susan Perry, and Alan Smith, the CEO of Quantum Resources Management, thanked everyone for their hard work, their dedication to children and their gift of play. Following the heartfelt thanks, everyone listened to a humanitarian song by Beyoncé Knowles entitled “I Was Here.” Throughout the song, everyone present released a balloon that had the words, “I Was Here” printed on it as a symbol of the effort that brought the playground into existence. After the tears, all the volunteers formed a circle around the central playground area and held a paper chain of hands made by the students to serve as a ribbon. On each of the paper hands, the students had written their thoughts of thanks to every volunteer. After the ribbon was gently torn, (so that every volunteer had a thank you note to take home), hugs and cheers were abundant.

Aldine ISD Trustee Marine Jones volunteered her time as she rolled up here sleeves and joined in as part of the Build Team on Build Day. The project was also supported by Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Archie Blanson, Aldine Area Superintendent Dr. Linda Rodríguez, Emitte Roque, executive director of buildings and properties; Patrick Mouton, executive director of facilities planning and construction, and other Aldine ISD personnel.

On Build Day the Odom community learned that the center of the playground is called the “footprint.”

“All of our Odom Elementary parents, friends and community members left their footprints on December 11, 2012, because they cared enough to make a miracle happen at Odom Elementary,” Perry said. “A spirit of gratitude and appreciation extends to all who left a footprint on the hearts of all of us at Odom Elementary. Because so many gave, cared, and were here, the lives of our children at Odom Elementary will be forever enriched through providing this gift of play! From the bottom of all of our hearts at Odom Elementary we thank you!”