Hancock Elementary unveils Sensory Garden

June 3, 2009 —Students, staff and community members celebrated the unveiling of the new Sensory Garden at Hancock Elementary School on the last day of school Wednesday afternoon.

The 40- by 60-foot garden is a culmination of the joint effort by CFISD, the Hancock Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), the Prestonwood Forest Utility District (PFUD) and Murr Incorporated—a landscape preservation and restoration consulting firm—to create an environment that stimulates all five senses of special needs students.

Featuring special exhibits for hearing- and visual-impaired children, as well as for those who are not, the Hancock Sensory Garden features three types of native grasses, 35 varieties of shrubs and five types of trees. Benches were constructed to facilitate class learning opportunities, and the handicapped accessible area is protected by an ornamental security fence and special lighting.

“Our students, staff and community are honored to have the Sensory Garden at Hancock,” said principal Louanne Shaffer. “It offers our students the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences. We look forward to our students growing and blossoming through our Sensory Garden.”

Hancock celebrated the garden’s opening with special guest Jerry Eversole, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner. Also in attendance were representatives from the North Harris County Regional Water Authority (NHCRWA)—including its mascot, the Texas Water Hog; Michael Murr, owner of Murr Incorporated; and members of the PFUD board of directors.

Visitors to the garden enjoyed its many amenities, including the sounds of wind chimes in the trees and water flowing in the fountains; the sight of the brilliant color of blooming plants; the smells and tastes of herbs and vegetables; and the touch of Braille plaques offering additional information.

“We asked the kids what they wanted in this garden,” explained Murr. “The kindergarten students had lots of ideas for components they wanted to include in this outdoor learning environment. Many of the elements in the garden came from the youngsters’ suggestions, like the scarecrow, birdhouses and plants to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.”

The Sensory Garden was designed to demonstrate important water conserving and environment-friendly principles, according to Broadfoot.

“With the days of cheap and plentiful water behind us, it will be increasingly important for us to use water wisely,” he said. “Compost was used throughout the site to eliminate the need for non-organic fertilizers, and a drip irrigation system shows the students how a water conserving system is utilized.”

Kathy Dickson, the former principal at Hancock and current principal at M. Robinson Elementary School, began seeking out funding for the Sensory Garden back in 2007. With the underwriting by the PFUD, a donation from the Hancock PTO and a grant from Lowe’s Home Improvement, the garden came to fruition in 2008. Although Dickson had relocated to M. Robinson, she was delighted to see the final project when she returned to Hancock last April.

“When I arrived at the school there was an art class outside sketching all of the garden’s nature. The kids all wanted to show me their pictures,” she said. “The flowers were coming into full bloom at the time and it was a breathtaking sight. I was so pleased to see how the Sensory Garden had truly provided invaluable educational opportunities for every single Hancock student.”