A Tompkins High School sophomore is leading a project costing more than $30,000 to install outdoor drums, chimes and an inclusive swing at a Katy elementary school where special needs students have no accessible playground equipment.

Dhruv Saripalli, a Life Scout with Scouting America's Troop 1103, chose Cimarron Elementary School for his Eagle Scout service project after learning the Title 1 campus at 1100 S. Peek had nothing on its playground for children in special education and structured life classes. Completing the project is the final requirement for Saripalli to earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest in Scouting America.

The cost exceeds $30,000.

Cimarron Elementary enrolls 564 students and serves a higher proportion of special needs students than the Katy ISD district average of 16.2 percent, according to 2023–2024 Texas Tribune data cited in a Katy Times report. Children with autism or in structured life classes receive specialized instruction but until now had no outdoor equipment accessible to them, Saripalli told the Katy Times.

"… Every child deserves a chance to play, express themselves, and have fun with their friends," Saripalli said. "This playground will make sure no student feels left out during recess."

The project will add durable, tuned outdoor musical instruments including drums and chimes, an inclusive swing seat and planter boxes to the campus playground, according to a post on the school's Facebook page. The Cimarron Elementary PTA contributed $10,000, which Saripalli confirmed to the Katy Times in an email in mid-July. He and the PTA are now seeking the remaining $20,000 from local businesses, neighbors and community leaders.

Principal Lindsay Chase praised the effort in a statement to the Katy Times, calling Saripalli's commitment commendable and noting his collaborative partnership with Cimarron and its PTA.

Residents who want to contribute can donate through the Cimarron Elementary PTA's fundraising page or contact the PTA directly.