Killeen Parks and Recreation accepts state and private grants for pickleball courts, life jackets and Red Cross campaign

Killeen Parks and Recreation reported three grant awards and recognitions to the council on Tuesday that staff said will expand services and safety at city aquatic and park facilities.

Recreation Manager Caitlin Roberts told the council the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awarded a Local Park Grant to resurface a court at Long Branch Park and convert one existing tennis court into four pickleball courts, including nets, posts, sidewalk repairs and a curb ramp. The city’s project ranked 8th among 58 non‑urban outdoor applicants; estimated playground/court costs were presented to council at about $25,000 for the park work covered by the grant (the grant provides 50 percent matching reimbursement).

Roberts also described a life‑jacket grant awarded through the C‑Tow Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. The grant supplies up to 200 life jackets and equipment for life‑jacket stations at the Family Aquatic Center and at Lions Club Park; staff said the award includes training and an operations reporting requirement that will be maintained by the aquatic supervisor. Roberts said the award will reduce annual replacement and signage costs previously borne by the city.

Finally, staff announced that Killeen Parks and Recreation has been accepted into the American Red Cross Centennial Campaign, a national program that offers staff training, reduced swim‑lesson fees for eligible patrons, and public recognition. Parks staff noted prior season programming that engaged about 850 participants.

Council members thanked Parks staff for pursuing external funds; no council action was required to accept the grants beyond routine acknowledgment.