Texas, February 7, 2026
In a landmark decision, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved $21.2 million in grants aimed at enhancing local parks across Texas. This funding will support various improvement projects, including nature trails, splash pads, and sports fields, benefiting communities statewide. Each project requires a matching contribution from local governments, ensuring widespread community engagement in park enhancement efforts. The investment highlights Texas’s commitment to improving outdoor recreational opportunities and fostering community bonds through accessible spaces.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Approves $21.2 Million for Local Park Enhancements
Austin, Texas – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a record $21.2 million in grants to enhance local parks across the state. This funding aims to improve outdoor recreational facilities, benefiting communities statewide.
Grant Details
The grants are awarded on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis, requiring local governments to match the funds. The projects encompass a variety of improvements, including:
- Nature trails
- Native landscaping
- Playgrounds
- Splash pads
- Sports fields
- Kayak launches
- Piers
- Additional amenities
These enhancements are designed to make parks more accessible and enjoyable for all residents. Notable projects include:
- Pearsall Park in San Antonio: Awarded $1.5 million for improvements such as a bike track, lighting, shade structures, and track perimeter construction.
- Forest Oaks Swimming Pool in Leon Valley: Received $725,852 to renovate its pool and add landscaping and irrigation.
- Coll Street Neighborhood Park in New Braunfels: Granted $700,890 to add utilities, an accessible playground, walkways, a pavilion, shade, a drinking fountain, signage, and other amenities.
- Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley: Secured $750,000 to improve its playground, parking, shade, lighting, amphitheater/gathering space, and other site amenities.
- Steeplechase Park in Kyle: Awarded $750,000 for renovations including a 12-foot multi-modal trail with lighting, sports courts, a pedestrian bridge, disc golf, signage, creek restoration, and other improvements.
- Lion’s Parks in Castroville: Received $469,367 to add inclusive playground elements, a triple-bay swing shade, sensory wave set, and a walkway.
- Westside Park in Marble Falls: Granted $750,000 for enhancements like an inclusive playground with surfacing and fencing, a renovated restroom, trails, a covered basketball court, and other site amenities.
Funding Sources
The funding comes from several sources, including the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Urban Parks Account, and the Texas Recreation and Parks Account. The Texas Recreation and Parks Account is supported by sporting goods sales tax revenue and federal offshore oil and gas royalties. These diverse funding sources ensure a broad distribution of resources to various communities.
Program Details
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers five grant programs based on project scope and the population of the applying entity. These programs include:
- Urban Outdoor and Urban Indoor Recreation Program for jurisdictions with populations of 500,000 or more.
- Non-urban Indoor and Non-urban Outdoor Programs for communities with populations of less than 500,000.
- Small Community Program for jurisdictions with populations under 20,000.
As of August 1, 2024, TPWD received 103 applications from eligible entities requesting just under $59 million in matching fund assistance. The approved $21.2 million represents staff recommendations to support the highest-scoring projects based on program criteria. Provisions exist to grant additional support if more funds become available within the current fiscal year.
Impact on Communities
This substantial investment underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents. By upgrading local parks, Texas aims to provide accessible and enjoyable spaces for all communities, fostering healthier lifestyles and stronger community bonds.
Background
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission regularly allocates funds to support local park development and improvements. These grants are part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to promote outdoor recreation and conservation across the state. The recent approval of $21.2 million in grants marks a significant increase in funding, reflecting the growing emphasis on enhancing public recreational facilities in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total amount approved for local park grants in Texas?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a record $21.2 million in grants to enhance local parks across the state.
How are the grants distributed among communities?
The grants are awarded on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis, requiring local governments to match the funds. The projects encompass a variety of improvements, including nature trails, native landscaping, playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, kayak launches, piers, and additional amenities.
What are some examples of funded projects?
Notable projects include Pearsall Park in San Antonio, Forest Oaks Swimming Pool in Leon Valley, Coll Street Neighborhood Park in New Braunfels, Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley, Steeplechase Park in Kyle, Lion’s Parks in Castroville, and Westside Park in Marble Falls.
Where does the funding come from?
The funding comes from several sources, including the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Urban Parks Account, and the Texas Recreation and Parks Account. The Texas Recreation and Parks Account is supported by sporting goods sales tax revenue and federal offshore oil and gas royalties.
How does the grant program work?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers five grant programs based on project scope and the population of the applying entity. These programs include Urban Outdoor and Urban Indoor Recreation Program for jurisdictions with populations of 500,000 or more, Non-urban Indoor and Non-urban Outdoor Programs for communities with populations of less than 500,000, and Small Community Program for jurisdictions with populations under 20,000.
What is the impact of these grants on communities?
This substantial investment underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents. By upgrading local parks, Texas aims to provide accessible and enjoyable spaces for all communities, fostering healthier lifestyles and stronger community bonds.
Key Features of the Local Park Grants
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | $21.2 million approved for local park enhancements across Texas. |
| Grant Structure | 50/50 reimbursement match basis, requiring local governments to match the funds. |
| Types of Improvements | Nature trails, native landscaping, playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, kayak launches, piers, and additional amenities. |
| Funding Sources | Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, Urban Parks Account, and Texas Recreation and Parks Account. |
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