The Austin-based Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved more than $21.6 million in grants to fund projects at statewide community parks that aim to create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities, like nature trails, native gardens, playgrounds, splash pads, dog parks, and sports fields.

The commission awarded projects in various categories based on community population size and scope.

Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants are reserved for local units of government with populations exceeding 500,000, Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grants are for municipalities under 500,000, and the Small Community Recreation Grants are for towns of less than 20,000.

In Dallas-Fort Worth, Garland, Haltom City, Little Elm, and Flower Mound each received $750,000. They had varying proposals:

• Garland, Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant, Watson Park — Proposed developments include a soccer field, resurfaced basketball court, playground, splash pad, refurbished pavilion, trails, enhanced landscaping, native conservation area, restroom, and parking lots.

• Haltom City, Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant, North Park — Proposed developments include a pond, amphitheater, fishing pier, kayak launch, pavilion, trails, signage, trails with bridge crossing, parking, and restroom.

• Little Elm, Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant, Cotton Park Phase I — Proposed developments and renovations include trails, shade pavilions, picnic amenities, playground with accessible components, interpretive signage, and permanent signage.

• Flower Mound, Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant, Peters Colony Memorial Park — Proposed developments include trails, pavilion, a celebration lawn, nature play area, native landscaping and trees, lighting, water wall, picnic areas, benches, bike racks, interpretive signage, and permanent signage.

For more Forces for Good, go here.

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