Improved play space means more opportunities for community to connect
Bradfield Elementary School cut the ribbon on its newly turfed field of dreams on Oct. 20, celebrating an upgrade that will be a game changer for students and their community.
Bradfield boasts the largest field of any Highland Park ISD elementary school. At just over 80,000 square feet, its green space is about the same size as that inside Highlander Stadium.
But years of heavy usage had damaged the field, leaving it with trip hazards and tree stumps. When it rained, the play space became so muddy that it couldn’t be used for play at all. To make matters worse, mud run off covered the sidewalk on Southern Avenue, forcing students to navigate a treacherous walk into the building.
“There were a tremendous amount of safety needs,” explained parent teacher association president Kamela Aboussie. “But more than anything, we just wanted to feel like it could be used.”
The PTA knew the turf project would be a huge undertaking, but the timing was right. When the school turned 50 in 1976, the PTA gifted it a playground. A new playfield — a gathering place for the community to make friendships and memories — would be the perfect gift to celebrate a century of Bradfield.
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The PTA drew on decades of contributions from families and sponsors to make its field of dreams a reality.
“When we decided to spend (the funds), we all swallowed hard,” Aboussie said. “But it felt so worth it.”
The Dads Club and a field committee of parents reviewed plans, chose the design, helped with construction planning and management, selected tree locations, and brainstormed name ideas. Contractor Paragon Sports Constructors managed to complete the project in less than four months. Bradfield’s students voted on an appropriate field moniker.
On opening day, Bradfield’s excited Broncos learned the field’s name — the Brad Field — before charging the play space and getting down to business playing football, tag, and leapfrog, or using the field’s lines to practice their balance and cartwheels.
“I like the field because you can run around, and you can also have fun with your friends,” second-grader Brooklyn Sanchez said.
Fourth-grader Clara Corrigan remembered one day last year when she slipped in mud and had to change clothes.
“But now, there’s no mud,” she added. “If it rained yesterday, it would be fine to play now.”
Bradfield principal Aimee Hilton welcomed each class of students to the field before they ran through — or, in the case of first graders, under and around — colorful banners made by one mother from every grade.
The field isn’t just for students to use during the school day, Hilton said. Community members are invited to enjoy the beautiful space in the evenings and on weekends.
“The community as a whole was championing it,” she added. “It’s going to be great.”
