Plainview commits $750,000 match and applies for $750,000 parks grant to replace Kidsville play structure

Tim Crosswhite, Plainview’s capital improvement program manager, told the council on June 24 that the city’s Kidsville play structure at Running Water Draw (Regional) Park, originally built in 1991 as a community project, now requires replacement because the base structure is deteriorating.

Crosswhite said the city is applying for a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant (the presentation originally referenced an agency name incorrectly as the Water Development Board; staff clarified the grant source is Texas Parks and Wildlife). The grant request is for $750,000 with a 50–50 match; staff requested a letter of commitment that the city would commit $750,000 if the grant is approved. Crosswhite said the city has already saved about $450,000 toward the match and that the application is due Aug. 1; if awarded the city would have four years to finish the project. Staff told council they plan public involvement in design and intend to solicit engineering qualifications at the next meeting.

Council member House moved approval for the city’s $750,000 commitment (50–50 match) and Council member Martinez seconded; the motion passed 7–4. Council then approved Resolution R25-665 to submit the grant application after Council member Rescon moved and Council member Dickerson seconded; that resolution passed 7–4.

Crosswhite said earlier Kidsville-style community-built wooden playgrounds elsewhere typically last 15–25 years; Plainview’s has been in place roughly 34 years because of diligent maintenance. He said staff intends to preserve the playground’s character and involve citizens in design if the grant is funded. Crosswhite said the city will select an engineer via RFQ and include community input during design.

Ending: Council approved both the funding commitment and the grant application; staff will proceed with RFQs and community engagement if the grant application is accepted for further action.