Beaumont council approves $1.9 million grant application to upgrade Alice Keith Park

The Beaumont City Council on Monday unanimously authorized the city to submit a $1,900,000 grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife — funded through a legislative rider sponsored by state Rep. Christian Manuel — to pay for a package of improvements at Alice Keith Park.

Halima Wilson, the city’s grants coordinator, presented the scope of the project, saying, “The plan is for us to develop enhancements at Alice Keith Park that include two pavilions with benches underneath as well as converting two existing tennis courts … into one basketball and one pickleball court.” Wilson also described plans for a designated soccer field, a football field, a drinking fountain between pavilions and an addition to the community center to house a computer lab for 15–20 students and three small audio-recording spaces.

Kenneth Reggett, the parks, green space and facilities maintenance director, told council the project will include a new rubber-surfaced playground accessible to all and a splash pad, with restroom renovations included in the work.

Council members praised staff and community partners who pursued the state funding. Mayor West noted that the funds were designated by the state legislature for the area and that city staff and local advocates had worked to shape the project. Council members asked about related pool repairs; staff said pool work is funded through the city’s community investment plan (CIP) for 2028 and is not part of the incoming grant.

Council and staff discussed scheduling and bidding; parks staff said design work and bid collection are already underway and that some improvements could begin this summer if procurement and funding notices align. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

What happens next: staff will complete the grant submittal and return to council with procurement milestones and a construction timeline if the grant is awarded.