Council gives staff direction to pursue Blue Cross grant for outdoor fitness court at Justice Center

City staff received council direction to pursue a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Blue Impact grant of $60,000, matched by City funds estimated at up to $145,000, to build an outdoor fitness court at the Justice Center. The council’s direction was nonbinding — the grant application and subsequent budget decision would return to council if a formal match appropriation is required.

Chief Kevin McCoy presented the concept and explained the Justice Center site was selected because it sits at the junction of Districts 4 and 5, is already lit and camera-covered, has nearby parking and sits at the end of the Brookhaven trail system where many pedestrians and bicyclists pass. The facility would provide fixed outdoor fitness equipment, create engagement opportunities for police outreach (community workouts, youth programming and classes) and allow public art programming on the Justice Center’s back wall.

Parks staff and the police department discussed preserving existing trees for shade and noted the manufacturer provides a warranty and that routine maintenance would fall to parks and rec. Council members supported pursuing the grant and suggested staff explore additional community or private fundraising to reduce the city match and emphasized preserving shade and minimizing visual impacts.

Next steps: staff will develop firm cost estimates, investigate fundraising options, and return with a grant acceptance request and any required appropriation if the city match will be needed.