Court approves application to Texas Parks & Wildlife for inclusive sensory park with pledged precinct match

Nueces County commissioners approved a resolution to submit an application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for a Local Parks Grant to fund improvements to an inclusive sensory park at Century Park and surrounding fairgrounds.

County staff described the concept—playground equipment, walkways, fencing, lighting and ADA access—and presented a project estimate the record shows in the range of $471,250. The grant program requires a 50% local match. One commissioner said precinct funds would cover the county’s cash match and that the precinct would seek reimbursement if grant funds are later received. Commissioners pressed staff to identify which budgeted items would be counted as in-kind match and to confirm that the cash match was immediately available; budget staff verified that precinct funds were available and that reimbursable grants require the county to have funds up front. The court authorised the application and directed staff to work with the grants office and budget staff on documentation and reporting.