TPW Commission Awards $12.5 Million in Grants

Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved $12,477,119 in grants Aug. 26 to build or improve local parks, regional parks, small community parks, recreational trails and target ranges across the state.

For Local Park Grants, the commission approved 12 grants totaling $5,223,628. Funds for this program come from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account (TRPA) and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. These funds go to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of outdoor recreation sites. The TRPA was authorized in 1993 to assist local political subdivisions of the state in providing basic public recreation facilities. TRPA revenue is generated from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods. Demand for grants always exceeds available funding, and as of Jan. 31, 2004 TPWD received 24 applications requesting $10,185,866 in matching fund assistance.

For Small Community Grants, the commission approved 15 grants totaling $703,495. The TRPA funds these grants as well. Small community grants are available to governments of a population of 20,000 or less, and $50,000 is the maximum amount that may be applied for per application. In recent years the demand for these funds has dramatically increased, as has the competition for these limited resources. As of Jan. 31, 2004 TPWD received 26 applications requesting $1,181,556 in matching fund assistance.

The commission approved three Regional Park Grants for a total of $4,425,713. The 76th session of the Texas Legislature authorized the creation of a regional park grant program to be funded through the TRPA. The program is designed to support multi-jurisdictional projects of regional significance serving Texas’ metropolitan areas. Projects proposing intensive use recreation and/or regional conservation and recreation are eligible to request matching funds. As of Jan. 31, 2004 TPWD received five applications requesting $9,408,500 in matching fund assistance.

Target Range Grants totaled $300,000. With support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Assistance, TPWD administers a target range grant program. Applicants must provide 25 percent of the total cost of the project and federal grant funds made available through the hunter safety apportionment provide the remaining 75 percent. The funds are available to qualifying applicants from both private and public sectors who provide public use of their facilities and open them to hunter education programs and services.

The criteria for funding grant requests is the "Target Range Plan" which was approved by the Commission, based on 1) population of county, 2) number of hunter education students certified in the county in the previous calendar year, 3) number of existing shooting facilities in the county, and 4) hunter days data in the county.

National Recreational Trails Grants totaled $1,824,283. The National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF) comes from a portion of the federal gas tax generated by gasoline purchases to utilize off-road recreational vehicles, such as off-road motorcycles and four-wheelers. The purpose of the NRFT is to provide funding for projects that create new and maintain existing motorized and non-motorized recreational trails. These federal funds are administered by the Federal Highway Administration and distributed to states via a formula that takes into account state population and sales of fuel for off-road recreational vehicles. Nationwide, the program was appropriated $50 million for FY2004; Texas’ share of these funds is $2,018,172. A few projects funded in previous years were completed under budget or were withdrawn creating another $341,897 available for re-allocation this year.

Below is the complete list of grants awarded Aug. 26, listed in alphabetical order by county. Type of grant received is indicated in parentheses:

  • Aransas: Rockport Community Park II (small community) received $50,000 requests support to further develop three acres of 12-acre Community Park located in the north area of the city. Proposed development includes four shade cabanas and deck renovation at the pool, a .3-mile nature trail with bench and interpretive signs, and a skate park.
  • Bastrop: West Bastrop City Trail (recreational trail) received $89,360 for a new 1.55-mile concrete trail, clearing, amenities and design.
  • Bell: Equestrian Trailhead (recreational trail) received $38,852 for restroom, assessment, design, signs. This grant was requested by Parrie Haynes Ranch.
  • Bosque: Bosque River Trail (recreational trail) received $65,500 for new 4,400-foot trail, bridge, signs. This grant was requested by the City of Clifton.
  • Brown: Coggin Park (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 15.5-acre Coggin Park located in the south area of the city. Proposed development includes a .57-mile walking trail renovation, playground, pavilion, basketball ball court lighting and striping for in-line hockey, horseshoe pit, washer pit, shuffleboard court, restroom, irrigation, and program signs.
  • Cameron: Birding Center Trail (recreational trail) received $100,000 for new 4,126-foot ADA trail, 55,233-foot improved nature trail. This grant was requested by Resaca de la Palma State Park.
  • Cameron: Laguna Heights Park Trail (recreational trail) received $40,000 for new 1,262-foot trail, restrooms, benches, parking, tables and fencing. This grant was requested by Cameron County.
  • Cameron: Resaca Trails in San Benito (local park) received $226,018 to acquire by purchase one acre and further develop 19.9-acre North/South Kennedy Parks located along Resaca de Los Fresnos in the central area of the city on land leased from the Cameron County Irrigation District 2. Proposed development includes a one-acre open space dedication, 2.62-mile lighted loop trail linking the two parks, interpretive kiosk, birding/wildlife viewing area, outdoor classroom with stage, volleyball court, skate park, horseshoe pit, wildflower garden, fishing pier, RC model boat pier, drinking fountain, native landscaping, interpretive signs, and program acknowledgement signs.
  • Cochran: Cochran Gun Club (target range) received $30,000 to move their existing range. Funds will be used to prepare the new site and initiate re-construction of range facilities and eventual classroom, restrooms and storage to facilitate hunter education, 4-H Shooting Sports and related youth outdoor programs. Match consists of a combination of private donations of labor, equipment, materials and club assets valued at more than $10,000.
  • Collin: Anna City Park (local park) received $500,000 to acquire 30 acres by donation and develop City Park located in the central area of the city. Proposed development includes a 1.6-acre open space dedication, .65-mile multi-purpose trail with two bridges and two exercise stations, four lighted baseball fields, playground, Texas Smartscape garden, skate park, shuffleboard court, pavilion, six sheltered picnic tables with grills, two sheltered benches, two horseshoe pits, tennis court, basketball court, three soccer fields, interpretive signs, and program signs.
  • Collin: Thompson Springs Park in Fairview (local park) received $310,500 to acquire by donation and develop 15.3 acres in the southeast area of the city. Proposed development includes a .5-acre wetland dedication, playground, .75-mile multi-purpose trail, pavilion, multi-purpose court, three benches, .7-mile nature trail, 10 picnic tables, horseshoe pits, wildflower seeding, tree planting, bird houses, wetland/pond interpretive dock, and project signs.
  • Comal: Bulverde Community Trails (recreational trail) received $39,140 for new 3,150-foot granite trail, design, materials and equipment. This grant was requested by the City of Bulverde.
  • Dallas County: Elm Fork Shooting Park (target range) received $30,000 for the continued construction of a new hunter education building at their world-class shotgun shooting facility near Dallas. The applicant received grants from TPWD in FY03 and FY04 to upgrade their existing range facilities and is asking for an additional grant to continue adding facilities that enhance hunter education training efforts within the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area. The applicant has in-kind match that exceeds the $10,000 needed for this project.
  • Denton County: Lake Dallas City Park (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 17.03-acre City Park located in the central area of the city. Proposed development includes a .25-mile multi-purpose trail, pavilion, two horseshoe pits, ball field backstop, multi-purpose court, butterfly garden with interpretive signs, native tree planting, irrigation, and program acknowledgement signs.
  • Denton County: Marshall Creek ORV Park (recreational trail) received $45,120 for new 1.4-mile motorized trail, trailheads and access road. This grant was requested by the City of Trophy Club.
  • Denton County: Willow Grove Park (recreational trail) received $90,000 for a new one mile trail, renovations for one mile, wildlife blind, signs and restrooms. This grant was requested by the City of Lake Dallas.
  • El Paso: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park received $7,570 for new 1,200-foot trail, equipment, labor and contracts. This grant was requested by the University of Texas in El Paso.
  • Fannin: Bonham Simpson Park (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 2.9-acre Simpson Park located in the central area of the City. Proposed development includes a .07-mile trail, trail bridge renovation, playground, amphitheater, reutilization of an existing tennis court as a skate board park and two shuffleboard courts, xeriscape garden, interpretive signage, and program acknowledgement signs.
  • Foard: Cynthia Ann Parker Celebration Grounds in Crowell (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 20-acre Cynthia Ann Parker Celebration Grounds located in the southeast area of the city. Proposed development includes six RV campsites, playground, basketball court, sand volleyball court, four picnic tables with two grills, horseshoe pit, .3-mile trail, four benches, tetherball, restrooms, water fountain, lighting, utilities, and project signs.
  • Fort Bend: Regional Park and Trail (local park) received $500,000 to acquire 32 acres by donation to develop the Regional Park and Trail located in the north area of the county. Proposed development includes a 19-acre wetland dedication, three canoe launches, boating safety/instructional station, wetlands enhancement, eight wood duck boxes, .3-mile wetlands trail, 1.9-mile multi-purpose trail, interpretive stations, shelter bridge, eight picnic tables, six benches, four historical/cultural interpretive stations, interpretive playground, baseball field, soccer field, bleachers, and irrigation.
  • Fort Bend: Meadows Place Community Park II (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 14.8-acre Community Park located in the west central area of the city. Proposed development includes renovation of four tennis courts, playground replacement/upgrade, exercise station and trail distance markers for an existing trail, five interpretive signs, two grills, pool deck and spray toy, and xeriscape garden.
  • Franklin: Little Creek Park III in Mount Vernon (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 10.5-acre Little Creek Park located in the north area of the city. Proposed development includes a playground renovation, multi-use field, .32-mile trail with bridge, basketball court renovation, two washer courts, horseshoe court, fence removal, and project signs.
  • Gillespie: Fredericksburg Middle School Park (small community) received $50,000 to lease 1.5 acres from the Fredericksburg Independent School District and develop Middle School Park located in the central area of the City. Proposed development includes a .2-mile running track renovation, pavilion, two game tables, eight picnic tables, basketball court renovation, soccer field, six interpretive signs, and program acknowledgement signs.
  • Harris County: Bane Park (local park) received $500,000 to acquire 5.873 acres by purchase/donation to expand and further develop 15-acre Bane Park located in Precinct 4 in the northwest area of the county. Proposed development includes a 2.2-acre wetland dedication, lake restoration, aquatic habitat improvements, fishing pier/pavilion, water spray area, bird blind, woodland habitat enhancements, two soccer fields, playground, .3-mile trail, 10 picnic tables, group grill, pavilion, baseball field, two horseshoe courts, sand volleyball court, 10 benches, bleachers, interpretive signs, utilities, and project signs.
  • Harris: Houston’s CIS, The Training School (target range) received $120,000 to construct a new indoor range near Interstate 45 just north of Loop 610 in Houston. Funds will be used to initiate start-up of the construction of hunter education classroom, restrooms, storage and indoor range facilities at the current building site within Houston city limits. Applicant will provide $40,000 in supporting matching funds, both cash and in-kind service.
  • Harris: Outer Nature Trail Loop (recreational trail) received $50,000 for a new one-mile nature trail. This grant was requested by Sheldon Lake State Park.
  • Hays County: Five-mile Dam Park (local park) received $500,000 to acquire by purchase/donation 43 acres and further develop 40.55 acres of existing county parkland as five Mile Dam Park located on the Blanco River approximately three miles north of San Marcos. Proposed development includes a 3.5-acre open space dedication, .15-mile hike/bike/jogging trail, 1.39-mile nature trail, two soccer fields, two playscapes, five covered picnic tables, two pavilions, wildlife observation station, two canoe launches, five primitive campsites, river swimming area, shade port, renovation of abandoned road into .66-mile bike path, xeriscape garden, interpretive signs, wetland garden, and program signage.
  • Hays: Wimberley Blue Hole Regional Park (regional park) received $1,908,500 to acquire 76 acres by purchase/donation to develop Blue Hole Regional Park and Preserve located on Cypress Creek in the northeast area of the Village. Proposed development includes a two-mile multi-purpose trail, soccer field, 10 benches, 10 picnic tables, enhancement of a freshwater swimming area, xeriscape garden, and project acknowledgement signs.
  • Hidalgo: Mario Leal (Municipal) Park II in Elsa (local park) received $500,000 to acquire two acres by purchase/donation to renovate and further develop 20-acre Mario Leal Park located in the west area of the city. Proposed development includes a two-acre open space dedication with wildlife habitat enhancement, lighting of two existing baseball fields each with an overlying soccer field, lighting of existing ballfield, 40 picnic units with grills and games tables, playground, 10 sheltered benches/swings, 660 linear-foot multi-purpose trail, six exercise stations, two horseshoe pits, two shuffleboard courts, multi-purpose court, two lighted volleyball courts, disc golf course, large pavilion, small pavilion with two picnic tables, water-play splash pad, skateboard ramps, .19-mile nature trail, xeriscape/compost demonstration plots, pond, pier, interpretive signs, rain harvesting equipment, solar powered controls, area lighting, landscaping, drip irrigation, parking, and program signs.
  • Hidalgo: La Villa Community Park II (local park) received $475,000 to acquire one acre by purchase to expand and develop nine-acre Community Park located in the central area of the city. Proposed development includes a one-acre open space dedication with habitat enhancement, pool renovation and shade structure, baseball field renovation and lighting, lighted Little League field, two overlying soccer fields, 20 picnic tables with grills, 10 sheltered benches/swings, two shuffleboard courts, two horseshoe pits, multi-purpose court, one-mile multi-purpose trail with exercise stations, splash pad, plaza renovation, disc golf course, playground, xeriscape/compost demonstration plot, wildlife habitat enhancement, 500 linear-foot nature trail, interpretive signs, concession/scorekeeper’s building, landscaping, drip irrigation, and program signs.
  • Hill: Whitney City Park II (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 17.6-acre City Park located in the southwest area of the city. Proposed development includes ball-field lighting renovations, a batting cage, native plant garden, five benches, group grill, .75-mile trail, landscaping, and program sign.
  • Jackson: Breckenridge Equestrian Trail (recreational trail) received $100,000 for new six-mile equestrian trail at Parrie Haynes ranch, parking, access road and signs. This grant was requested by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority.
  • Jeff Davis: Madera Canyon Nature Trail received $44,295 for new 2.96-mile trail in Madera Canyon, signs and supplies. This grant was requested by Nature Conservancy.
  • Lamar: Kiwanis Park in Reno (small community) received $50,000 to acquire by donation and develop 6.71-acre Kiwanis Park located in the east area of the city. Proposed development includes playground renovation, four picnic tables with grills, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit, soccer field, baseball field renovation, and a skateboard area.
  • Leon: Leon County Gun Club, LLC (target range) received $30,000 for constructing new hunter education classroom at their existing facility. The club received a previous grant in 1992 from TPWD to initiate the range project that has since been a successful public range in the county. The county strongly supports hunter education, 4-H Shooting Sports and related youth outdoor programs, and such programs will continue to grow because of the new facilities. Match consists of a combination of private donations of labor, equipment, materials and club assets valued at more than $10,000.
  • Marion: West Jefferson City Park (small community) received $50,000 to develop 1.41-acre West Jefferson City Park located in the northwest area of the city. Proposed development includes a .19-mile trail, playground, pavilion, multi-use sports court, picnic station, washer court, horseshoe court, and program acknowledgement signs.
  • McLennan: Lake Waco Wetland Trail (recreational trail) received $35,484 for new 6,000-foot trail (to renovate 2.8 miles), and for signs. This grant was requested by the City of Waco.
  • Medina: Castroville Trail Development (recreational trail) received $49,760 for a new 2.25 mile granite/asphalt trail, parking, signs. This grant was requested by the City of Castroville.
  • Montgomery: Martin Luther King, Jr. Trail (recreational trail) received $83,200 for new 4,000-footconcrete trail, eight feet wide along a creek. This grant was requested by the City of Conroe.
  • Orange: Vidor Sparrow Lane Park (local park) received $212,110 acquire 33.7 acres by purchase and dedicate 13.04 acres of city-owned non-parkland to develop Sparrow Lane Park located in the southwest area of the city. Proposed development includes a 14-acre wetland dedication, .9-mile trail, boardwalk, two multi-purpose fields, four portable soccer goals, playground, pavilion, seven picnic tables with five grills, canoe/kayak launch, wildlife viewing deck, washer court, open play area, two kiosks, interpretive signs, utilities, and project signs.
  • Palo Pinto: Possum Kingdom Lake Trail (recreational trail) received $76,800 for a new five-mile trail, restrooms, signs, parking and resource clearance. This grant was requested by the Brazos River Authority.
  • Potter: Amarillo Shooting Complex (target range) received $60,000 to initiate start-up of the construction of hunter education classroom, restrooms, storage and rifle and pistol range facilities. Range will be run by the city police department and they will open the range to the public and at peak times prior to the hunting seasons at least three days a week. Applicant will provide $20,000 in supporting matching funds, both cash and in-kind service during the initial start up phase. The Amarillo Shooting Complex is a joint effort of the Amarillo Police Department and the City Parks and Recreation department and will be located on city land near a landfill.
  • Rains: Emory City Park II (small community) received $50,000 to further develop 4.5-acre City Park located in the central area of the city. Proposed development includes a .2-mile trail with bridge, two fitness stations, pavilion, group grill, two horseshoe pits, game table, hummingbird/butterfly garden, songbird sanctuary, volleyball court, finger park, basketball court and bridge renovations, creek dredging, two shuffleboard courts, four benches, and project signs.
  • Red River: Langford Lake Nature Trail in Clarksville (small community) received $24,495 and will lease 58.9 acres from the Red River County Water Control and Improvement District 1 and develop the Langford Lake Nature Trail located north of the City. Proposed development includes a one-mile trail, boardwalk, 20 benches, native prairie restoration, gate, and program acknowledgement signs.
  • Smith: Lakeside Trail (recreational trail) received $100,000 for a new 1.5-mile granite trail, eight feet wide, drainage, rest stations. This grant was requested by Tyler State Park.
  • Smith: Trails at Faulkner Park (recreational trail) received $98,736 for new 1.5-mile granite trail, eight feet wide, drainage and rest stations. This grant was requested by the City of Tyler.
  • Starr: Heritage Park in Rio Grande City (small community) received $50,000 to acquire by donation and develop 4.63-acre Heritage Park located in the west area of the city. Proposed development includes a pavilion, four picnic tables and two grills, three benches, .5-mile trail, half-court basketball court, playground, exercise station, parking, lighting, and project acknowledgement signs.
  • Tarrant: Fort Worth Gateway Park III (regional park) received $2,000,000 to acquire by purchase 225.5 acres and dedicate 135.2 acres of publicly-owned non-parkland to further develop 504-acre Gateway Park located in the east area of the city along the West Fork of the Trinity River. Proposed development includes a 3.09-mile hike/bike trail, 1.46-mile equestrian trail, two bird and wildlife observation deck/towers, four soccer fields, observation deck, canoe/kayak/tubing launch, boardwalk, fishing pier, natural/cultural interpretive signage, ecosystem restoration/native planting, bio-retention system, concession/restroom building, and lighted parking lots.
  • Tarrant: Walnut Creek Linear Park in Mansfield (local park) received $500,000 to acquire by donation 25.62 acres along Walnut Creek linking numerous parks and schools to expand and further develop 82.34 acres of city-owned land in the central area of the city. Proposed development includes a 25.62-acre open space dedication, .85-mile multi-purpose trail with bridge, .4-mile nature trail, grist mill interpretive playground, outdoor education pavilion, amphitheater, two basketball courts, sand volleyball court, wildscape area, two horseshoe pits, creek overlook, interpretive signs, four picnic tables, six day camp areas, wildlife and wetland viewing stations, water sampling station, and project signs.
  • Tarrant: Northern Heritage Trail (recreational trail) received $92,160 for new 3.225-foot concrete trail, water crossing, tables and benches. This grant was requested by the City of Fort Worth.
  • Travis: Lost Creek Trail (recreational trail) received $100,000 for new 20,347-foot trail, renovation of a 2,235-foot trail, and Barton creek access. This grant was requested by Lost Creek M.U.D.
  • Travis: Town Lake Trail Restoration (recreational trail) received $96,976 to renovate .5-mile trail, retaining wall, drainage and handrail. This grant was requested by Town Lake Trail Foundation.
  • Upshur: Barnwell Mountain (Gilmer) (recreational trail) received $183,090 for trailhead improvement and trail equipment for motorized trail area. This grant was requested by the Texas Motorized Trail Coalition.
  • Victoria: Victoria Skeet and Trap Club (target range) received $30,000 for further support in constructing new hunter education building at their new trap and skeet range near the Victoria County Airport. The county supports 4-H Shooting sports and related youth outdoor programs, and such programs will grow substantially because of the new facilities. The complex also will serve the hunter education course needs for the county. Match consists of a combination of private donations of labor, equipment, materials and club assets valued at more than $10,000.
  • Walker : Eastham-Thomason Park Aquatic Center in Huntsville (local park) received $500,000 to acquire two acres by purchase to expand and further develop 150-acre Eastham-Thomason Park located in the northwest area of the city. Proposed development includes a .43-acre wetland dedication, pool, zero depth pool, bubbler, water slide, aquatic center/pavilion, outdoor nature center, skateboard park, dog park, .75-mile nature trail, .68-mile bicycle trail, bridge, gazebo, and bleachers.
  • Williamson: Williamson County Brushy Creek Regional Park II (regional park) received $517,213 to acquire 37.1 acres by donation to expand and further develop Brushy Creek Regional Trail located east of the City of Cedar Park in the southern area of the county. Proposed development includes a 2.75-mile trail with creek crossing and aquatic viewing area, fishing areas, wetlands improvements, aquatic garden, water fowl feeding area, xeriscape garden, exercise station, nine-hole disc golf course, 10 benches, kiosk, interpretive signs, roadway, parking, and project acknowledgement signs.
  • Williamson: Round Rock Greater Lake Creek Park (local park) received $500,000 to acquire by donation 35.37 acres and further develop 39.9 acres of existing parkland as Greater Lake Creek Park located in the southeast area of the city. Proposed development includes a 27.9-acre open space dedication, .71-mile hike and bike trail, .27-mile nature trail, two pavilions, multi-use playfield renovation, two playgrounds, lighted skate park, lighted in-line hockey/basketball court, lighted sand volleyball court, practice soccer field/open playfield, leash-free dog park, six picnic tables, 10 benches, xeriscape flower/community garden, two fishing nooks, bird viewing areas, wetlands enhancement with aquatic garden, interpretive signs, and program acknowledgement signs.
  • Wilson: Floresville Rail-Trail (recreational trail) received $99,440 for new 2.1-mile granite/asphalt trail, parking, signs. This grant was requested by the City of Floresville.
  • Wood: Hawkins City Park II (small community) received $50,000 to further develop six-acre City Park located in the central area of the city. Proposed development includes four picnic tables, playground, .32-mile trail, five exercise stations, hummingbird garden, butterfly garden, irrigation, utilities, and project signs.
  • Wood: Sabine River Trail (recreational trail) received $98,800 for new 6,006-foot trail, bridge, signs, rest stop. This grant was requested by the City of Mineola.