Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission awards $21.2 million to local parks

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission awarded $21.2 million in grants to 50 community parks across Texas, funding projects from trails and kayak launches to piers and playgrounds; grants are reimbursed on a 50/50 match basis.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is awarding $21.2 million in local park grants to 50 community parks across the state. The funding is intended for a range of outdoor improvements such as natural trails, kayak launches, piers and playgrounds. Grants are allocated to local government entities and reimbursed on a 50/50 match basis. Awards are offered in three categories based on community population thresholds. Key details: - $21.2 million was awarded across 50 community parks statewide. - Grants are reimbursed on a 50/50 match basis and are allocated to local government entities. - Awards are split into three categories: urban outdoor recreation for populations over 500,000; non-urban outdoor recreation for municipalities under 500,000; and small community recreation for towns serving fewer than 20,000 people. - San Antonio and Fort Worth each received $1.5 million; San Antonio’s urban grant will support improvements at Pearsall Park including a bike track, lighting, shade structures and construction of a track perimeter. - New Braunfels received a non-urban outdoor grant exceeding $700,000 for a neighborhood park on Coll Street, covering utilities, a pavilion, an accessible playground, shade, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, native trees and irrigation. - Parks funded under the program must remain maintained and open to the public. Summary: The grants are intended to expand and upgrade outdoor recreation and accessibility at community parks across Texas. Undetermined at this time.