The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $12.5 million in Local Park Grants statewide to help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. More than $2.6 million goes locally to Cameron and Hidalgo counties and Port Isabel.
The Cameron County Parks and Recreation Department is the recipient of a $750,000 non-urban outdoor grant for the Olmito Nature Park project. This project will include land acquisition as well as developments and renovations. Proposed elements include playground equipment, pedestrian trails, picnic facilities, piers, bike racks, solar lighting, accessible benches, signage and native landscaping.
Hidalgo County will use a $1,100,511 urban outdoor grant for its Lopezville Park project. Proposed developments and renovations include site grading, drainage, lighting, tennis courts, adult and youth soccer fields. Also included are restrooms, a pedestrian trail, parking lot, picnic areas, a pavilion and an all-inclusive playground.
The city of Port Isabel received a $750,000 non-urban grant for its Laguna Madre Park Renovation project. Proposed developments include a baseball field, sports field fencing, site furniture, grading, infields, outfield hydromulch, irrigation, a restroom, concessions, a trail, fitness equipment, bike racks, a picnic area, habitat and interpretive signage.
About Local Park Grants
TPWC allocates Local Park Grants to local government entities on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis. Once funded, the sites must remain parkland in perpetuity, properly maintained and open to the public. This will result in more nature trails, native gardens, playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks and sports fields at 26 community parks statewide. The commission, which administers the local park grants program for Texas, awarded projects in various categories based on community population and scope.
Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants are reserved for local units of government with populations of more than 500,000. Three communities received these grants. The Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants fund park projects in municipalities under 500,000. The commission approved awards to projects in 11 communities.