Parks board backs grant application for drainage work at Kenneth R. Lewis Park

The Lucas Parks & Open Space Board voted to recommend that the City Council approve submitting a Texas Parks and Wildlife Local Park Grant application to pay for drainage improvements at Kenneth R. Lewis Park. The motion was made by a board member and seconded; the board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Staff member Joshua (S3) told the board the drainage project is being considered because “if we were to apply for it for the drainage system at Kenneth r Lewis because there is some poor drainage in the areas there,” and said the application window is short. Joshua said the grant program has historically required a local match and staff expects about a 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement if awarded, though exact estimates for the project have not yet been produced and receipt of funds is not guaranteed.

The board discussed the park’s longstanding runoff and soggy infield problems, with members noting previous frustration that the baseball field and other areas become unusable after rain. Staff said the item is at an exploratory phase: if the board endorses preparing materials, staff and the CIP manager would draft a resolution and submit the application packet to City Council for final approval.

Committee member S2 moved to recommend the resolution to the City Council; S6 seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried as recorded in the meeting. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally by name for individual yes/no votes.

Next steps: staff will prepare grant materials and a proposed resolution for City Council consideration; the board noted that City Council must approve any application and that the board could withdraw after further cost-estimate work if circumstances change.