Dear Friends and Families of Midland and Odessa,

We are excited to invite you to support a meaningful project that will enrich outdoor learning and play at Watersong Wildspace (formerly the I-20 Wildlife Preserve).

Watersong Wildspace is one of the few remaining native, untouched natural areas in our region — a true playa treasure right in our backyard. Demand for outdoor programs has skyrocketed, yet the current education and play space is overcrowded and limited by makeshift solutions. Storage for educational materials is needed, and the old sandbox had to be removed because it was too small and unsafe.

With so little available in our area for hands-on nature experiences, we believe this thoughtfully designed expansion will be a wonderful addition for local families. Our preferred open rammed earth design creates beautiful flow with the playa while providing a durable, nature-integrated space with a living green roof, custom tree platforms, story time nest, interactive educational signs, expanded sandbox with cover, loose parts play area, and more.

This expansion will offer more hands-on learning opportunities in nature, safe climbing and imaginative play areas, better spaces for parents to sit and supervise, and a stronger connection to the native playa ecosystem. Research shows that time spent in nature reduces anxiety, improves focus, builds resilience, creativity, and social skills — benefits our kids need in today’s screen-heavy world.

Signing this petition helps us present a strong community voice to the Watersong Board as we advocate for this unique build. With your support, we may be able to complete the project by the end of this year.

It is strongly felt that this expansion will complement — rather than compete with — Watersong’s larger future plans for the Nature Commons and Wetlands Research Institute. While the facility is impressive indeed, children will remember time spent learning and playing in nature far more deeply. 

Thank you for taking a moment to consider signing. Your voice truly matters.

Warmly,

Misty N. Taylor , Founder & Creative Director, Songline Design Studio