The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved more than $9.8 million in local park grants to help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. Two grants totaling $1.5 million will be going to Cameron County.

The Cameron County Parks and Recreation Department is the recipient of a $750,000 Non-Urban Outdoor grant for its Bejarano-McFarland Memorial Park improvements project. Proposed developments include a recirculating splash pad, trail, sidewalk and covered basketball court. Also on the proposal are a pavilion, universal playground elements, native landscaping, irrigation, LED lighting. Interpretive and park signage, restroom improvements, site amenities and site work are also part of the project.

The City of Port Isabel in Cameron County is also a recipient of a $750,000 Non-Urban Outdoor grant for the second phase of its Laguna Madre Park Renovation project. Proposed developments include a universal design ball field, field lighting, scoreboards and irrigation. ADA fitness equipment and a bike rack with a bike repair station are also on the proposal. Additional improvements include a universal playground with surfacing, universal design picnic site, native habitat enhancement, improvements to restroom/concessions, site work and interpretive signage.

About the Local Park Grants

The Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants are one of three categories that make up the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s Local Park Grants program. Categories are based on community population and scope, with the non-urban grants funding park projects in municipalities under 500,000. The commission approved awards to projects in 10 of these communities.

The competitive grants are allocated 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.