Texas Parks Commission Awards Record $21.2M for Local Parks

Grants will fund improvements at 50 parks across the state, including in San Antonio and New Braunfels.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:55am

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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is awarding a record-breaking $21.2 million in local park grants that will benefit 50 community parks statewide. The grants, which are allocated to local government entities on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis, will fund improvements ranging from natural trails and kayak launches to playgrounds and lighting upgrades.

Why it matters

This historic level of state funding for local parks will help beautify and enhance recreational spaces in communities across Texas, providing residents with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and improving quality of life. The grants target both large urban areas as well as smaller towns, ensuring parks access is expanded statewide.

The details

The grants are awarded in three categories - urban outdoor recreation grants for populations exceeding 500,000, non-urban outdoor recreation grants for municipalities under 500,000, and small community recreation grants for towns serving fewer than 20,000 people. San Antonio and Fort Worth are each receiving $1.5 million grants, with San Antonio's funds going towards improvements at Pearsall Park. The city of New Braunfels received over $700,000 for a neighborhood park on Coll Street.

  • The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission announced the $21.2 million in grants on February 1, 2026.

The players

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Texas' natural resources, including state parks and wildlife.

San Antonio

The largest city in South Texas, receiving a $1.5 million grant to enhance Pearsall Park.

New Braunfels

A city located between San Antonio and Austin, receiving over $700,000 for improvements to a neighborhood park.

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The takeaway

This historic investment in local parks across Texas will provide residents with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and improve quality of life in communities both large and small. The grants demonstrate the state's commitment to expanding access to recreational spaces and preserving the natural beauty of the Lone Star State.