San Antonio, Texas, February 2, 2026
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved an unprecedented $21.2 million for local park grants, aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities across 50 parks. This funding will support the addition of trails, playgrounds, splash pads, and other amenities in communities statewide. Notably, San Antonio received $1.5 million for improvements at Pearsall Park, which will include new bike tracks and shade structures. This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to preserving outdoor spaces and promoting community engagement.
San Antonio, Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Awards Record-Breaking $21.2 Million to Local Parks
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a record-breaking $21.2 million in local park grants, benefiting 50 community parks across the state. This funding aims to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities by adding amenities such as nature trails, playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, kayak launches, and piers. The grants are allocated to local government entities on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis, ensuring that the sites remain parkland and are properly maintained and open to the public.
Details of the Grants
The grants are distributed in three categories based on community demographics and project scope:
- Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants: Awarded to local units of government with populations exceeding 500,000. Two communities received this grant.
- Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants: Fund park projects in municipalities under 500,000. The commission approved awards for projects in 26 communities.
- Small Community Recreation Grants: Serve towns of less than 20,000 and were awarded to 14 communities.
San Antonio’s Pearsall Park Enhancement
Among the recipients, the City of San Antonio received a $1.5 million urban outdoor grant for improvements to Pearsall Park. The project includes the addition of a bike track, lighting, shade structures, and the construction of a track perimeter. This enhancement is expected to provide residents with improved recreational facilities and attract visitors to the area.
Other Notable Projects
Other significant projects funded by the grants include:
- Lomas Del Sur Regional Park in Laredo: Awarded a $750,000 non-urban outdoor grant for improvements, including hike and bike trails, soccer fields, ADA-accessible playgrounds, parking, signage, benches, picnic areas, restroom facilities, and wetland preservation with environmental education signage.
- Arroyo Park in Harlingen: Received a $750,000 non-urban outdoor grant for renovations, including playground updates, shaded picnic areas, bleacher shade structures, lighting, turf installation for a softball field, sidewalk improvements, basketball court resurfacing, restroom modernization for ADA accessibility, a loop trail with solar lights, hydration stations, and a shaded bike repair station.
- Victor Trevino Sports Complex in Pearsall: Granted $582,769 for revitalization, featuring a splash pad, sidewalks, an inclusive playground, a pavilion with concessions and restrooms, covered picnic facilities, nesting bird boxes, community gardens, a shade area for the garden, restroom renovations, tables for the existing pavilion, interpretive signage, and a shade structure for the bleachers.
Background Context
These grants are part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s competitive grant program, which aims to support the development and enhancement of local parks across the state. The program is designed to promote outdoor recreation, conservation, and nature exploration by providing funding for various park improvements. The 50/50 reimbursement match ensures that local communities are actively involved in the development and maintenance of these projects, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Conclusion
The record-breaking $21.2 million in local park grants awarded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for its residents. By investing in park improvements, Texas aims to provide accessible and enjoyable spaces for communities to engage in recreational activities, promote environmental stewardship, and improve the quality of life for all Texans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total amount awarded in local park grants by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a record-breaking $21.2 million in local park grants, benefiting 50 community parks across the state.
How are the grants allocated among different communities?
The grants are distributed in three categories based on community demographics and project scope: Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants for communities with populations exceeding 500,000; Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants for municipalities under 500,000; and Small Community Recreation Grants for towns of less than 20,000.
What improvements are planned for Pearsall Park in San Antonio?
The City of San Antonio received a $1.5 million urban outdoor grant for improvements to Pearsall Park, including the addition of a bike track, lighting, shade structures, and the construction of a track perimeter.
Which other parks received significant funding from the grants?
Other significant projects funded by the grants include Lomas Del Sur Regional Park in Laredo, Arroyo Park in Harlingen, and Victor Trevino Sports Complex in Pearsall, each receiving substantial grants for various improvements.
What is the purpose of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s competitive grant program?
The program aims to support the development and enhancement of local parks across the state, promoting outdoor recreation, conservation, and nature exploration by providing funding for various park improvements.
Key Features of the Local Park Grants
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Grant Amount | $21.2 million |
| Number of Parks Benefited | 50 community parks across Texas |
| Grant Allocation Basis | 50/50 reimbursement match |
| Grant Categories | Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants, Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants, Small Community Recreation Grants |
| Notable Projects | Pearsall Park in San Antonio, Lomas Del Sur Regional Park in Laredo, Arroyo Park in Harlingen, Victor Trevino Sports Complex in Pearsall |
| Purpose of Grants | Enhance outdoor recreational opportunities with amenities like nature trails, playgrounds, splash pads, sports fields, kayak launches, and piers |
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