Park Grants Awarded From the State

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved just over $16 million in competitive local park grants. The money will help fund projects that will create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities like nature trails, native gardens, playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks and sports fields at 38 community parks across the state. The grants, allocated to local government entities, appropriate state and federal funds for facilities in Texas on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis. Once funded, all grant-assisted sites must be dedicated as parkland in perpetuity, properly maintained and open to the public.

The following are the grant funds awarded in our area:
*The city of Alba is the recipient of a $39,200 small community grant for its Alba City Park project. Proposed developments include playground equipment and a shade structure.
*Hallsville will receive a $75,000 small community grant for its Hallsville City Park project. Proposed developments include playground equipment with rubber surfacing, pavilions, solar lighting and picnic facilities.
*Malakoff will receive a $75,000 small community grant for its Malakoff City Park project. Proposed developments include playground equipment, pedestrian trails with exercise stations, a native plant garden, horseshoe pits and signage.
*Troup will receive a $61,000 small community grant for its Short Street Park project. Proposed developments include a playground, picnic facilities, barbeque grills, trash receptacles, a basketball court and site fencing.
*Van is the recipient of a $500,000 non-urban outdoor grant for its McMillan Park project. Proposed developments include a multi-use paved trail, pavilion, playground with artificial turf, 3-acre pond, open lawn area, native landscaping, benches, grills, tables, disc golf course, kayak launch, fishing pier, interpretive signage and restroom facility.
*Waskom will receive a $75,000 small community grant for its Waskom-Taylor City Park project. Proposed developments include a splashpad, horseshoe and washer pits, and an outdoor stage.