Cosmos Montessori School’s current playground. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Valenzuela.
Cosmos Montessori School on Ferguson Road near White Rock Hills is building a new playground.
Room parent Cynthia Valenzuela reached out to the Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate to tell us that the new playground is the result of a partnership with KABOOM!, an organization that aims to end “play space inequity,” and the school’s local corporate sponsors Vanguard and Sidley Austin LLP.
“The kids are beyond thrilled, and honestly, so are we,” Valenzuela said in her email to the Advocate. “This natural playground won’t just serve our students; it will be a gift for the entire East Dallas community.”
Cosmos Montessori will need the help of the community to make this playground a reality. Specifically, 30 volunteers are needed at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, plus 15 people on standby Wednesday, Oct. 15 to prepare for the project. The actual build day will be at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, and 200 people are needed for this. According to the Eventbrite page, the volunteers will receive breakfast, lunch and water as well as safety materials for the project and T-shirts. The job will happen rain or shine, and participants (who can have any level of skill and ability) should dress accordingly with closed toed shoes that can be used in messy conditions.
Other rules and guidelines are listed on the Eventbrite page, which also is the place to sign up to help on the build day.
In a press release, the playground was described as “kid-designed” and a space “that will spark joy and a sense of belonging for kids at Cosmos Montessori School.” The children at Cosmos Montessori drew up their dream playspaces, and their ideas were implemented in the design.
“This new playspace with Cosmos Montessori School, Vanguard and Sidley Austin LLP is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end playspace inequity – the reality that far too many children – especially children of color – do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child’s life,” reads the press release. “Their work is to ensure every kid can experience the numerous physical, social and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live.”
Cosmos Montessori is a “small, mom-owned Spanish immersion school” that is supported by the nonprofit Cosmic Minds Funds Inc. for infants to children through age 7, Valenzuela said. The school fundraised for the playground last year.
“This isn’t just about swings and slides — it’s about creating a safe, joyful space where kids can grow, explore and make memories,” she said.
