Almost $4 Million in Indoor, Outdoor Grants to Benefit Texas Communities

Media Contact: Rob McCorkle

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AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $3.8 million in competitive grants for city and county parks, sport complexes, nature trails and recreation centers across the state. Seven out of 35 eligible grant requests for indoor and outdoor recreational facilities were chosen by the commission for funding.

Indoor and outdoor recreation grants are made to local governments from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account program funded with a portion of the state sales tax collected on sporting goods.

The commission approved only one out of four indoor recreation projects submitted by political subdivisions with less than 500,000 population that were eligible for matching funds. La Grange will receive $750,000 to renovate and further develop the 12,190-square-foot Randolph Recreation Center in the northeastern part of the city. Project plans include constructing a kitchen, media center, meeting facilities and rooms to host a variety of activities, including exercise, arts and crafts and reading.

Two political subdivisions with populations of more than 500,000 were funded under TPWD’s Urban Indoor Recreation Grant program. Fort Worth’s and San Antonio’s grant applications, totaling $1.21 million, received approval.

The City of Fort Worth will use $1 million in matching grant monies to construct a 23,000-square-foot community center at 4680 McPherson Blvd. in the southwest part of the city. The proposal includes installation of an indoor climbing wall, rainwater collection system, demonstration gardens and signs.

The City of San Antonio’s request for $212,500 in matching state funds was approved for the renovation and expansion of the Jingu House at 3853 N. St. Mary’s. The money will be used to install a fire hydrant and make renovations to interior finishes, the restroom, observation deck and parking patio extension.

TPWD received 29 eligible applications for outdoor recreation funds totaling $12.9 million. The commission voted to provide state matching funds totaling $1.84 million to four governmental entities.

Corsicana will receive $500,000 in state matching funds to support the acquisition of 30.9 acres of city-owned parkland to develop an athletic complex in the western part of the city. Funds will be used to develop baseball and softball diamonds, a sand volleyball court, a multipurpose court, a playground, a pavilion, trails and a picnic area with tables.

The commission also approved a $500,000 outdoor grant to Gun Barrel City to help secure an 11.6-acre donation of land to expand and further develop 40-acre Community Park #3 in the central city. Development plans include new tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, fishing pier, a covered amphitheater stage, gardens and trails with interpretive signage.

 A third $500,000 grant application from Haltom City also garnered approval from commissioners. The matching funds will be used to acquire 44.5 acres adjacent to Little Fossil Creek and a 20-acre lake for development of a linear park in the center of town. The park will include trails with an overlook and boardwalk, a pavilion, fishing pier and gardens.

The fourth outdoor recreation grant, for $348,000, will help Vinton upgrade the 2.27-acre City Hall Park in the central part of the city. The city plans to use the funding for a playground, pavilion, benches, picnic tables with grills, a trail, xeriscape garden and native tree plantings.

For more information about the grant awards or to receive application forms, see TPWD’s grants Web page or phone the department’s Recreation Grants Department at (512) 389-8224 or e-mail: rec.grants@tpwd.texas.gov.

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