Oak Ridge Elementary to hold fundraiser for special needs playground

A fundraiser for a new special needs playground at Oak Ridge Elementary School will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 at Primal Athletic Performance in Magnolia.   According to the fitness center's Facebook page, the open house and fundraiser event will include silent auctions, athletic competitions and free food provided by Rudy's BBQ. Proceeds from the event will go toward the construction of a new playground designed for handicapped and disadvantaged children.    Oak Ridge Elementary, located at 19675 I-45 South in Conroe, is a Title I campus and serves approximately 500 students, including many with special needs, according to the school website. The new playground will have a flat surface and a variety of play elements, and will also be wheelchair accessible.   The cost of the playground is approximately $80,000, according to the release. Huntsman Corporation will donate the final $10,000 once the rest of the money has been raised.    Monetary donations can be made online at ore.conroeisd.net/playground. The school will also accept donations of raw materials like concrete or volunteer hours for tree removal.    Primal Athletic Performance is located at 33211 Farm to Market 2978.   For more information on donating, email Tara Vandermark at tvandermark@conroeisd.net.