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The Colony reviews 2025 parks master plan and eyes state grant to fund athletic projects
Summary
City staff presented a draft 2025 Parks and Recreation master plan, highlighted strong public support for more parks amenities, and said the city plans to apply for a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife outdoor matching grant and a 2026 $1.5 million indoor grant for a recreation center.
The Colony City Council heard an overview of a draft 2025 Parks and Recreation master plan and a proposed grant strategy during its June work session. Calvin, a city staff member introducing the plan, told the council the draft will be returned next month for adoption and that staff seeks council feedback now to support imminent grant deadlines.
City consultants and staff summarized public-engagement results showing broad support for parks: 97% of survey respondents said parks were a beneficial use of tax dollars, 89% wanted improvements to existing parks, and 88% requested additional amenities. Top priorities identified were restrooms, shade, trails, pollinator gardens and sports courts (including pickleball).
Staff outlined a near-term funding strategy tied to the master plan: the city intends to apply for a Texas Parks and Wildlife outdoor recreation matching grant (a $750,000 grant that requires a local match) with a deadline in August, and to pursue a separate indoor grant opening in 2026 (estimated $1.5 million) to help finance a new recreation center. Calvin said staff would use the plan to prioritize projects and identify an initial site for grant-funded athletic-facility work and asked council to submit edits to the draft by June 23 so the consultant can finalize materials for a July adoption vote.
Council members asked whether grant funds would cover restrooms and were told restrooms are eligible but typically score lower in the Parks and Wildlife scoring process; parking is not eligible. Staff described modular restroom options with timed locks and self-cleaning features as lower-maintenance approaches the city is evaluating.
The presentation did not include final project budgets; staff said an athletic facility assessment is underway to inform which sites would best match the grant application criteria. Next steps are staff incorporation of council edits, revised final plan and a return to council in July for formal adoption and, if authorized, a resolution to apply for the $750,000 matching grant.
