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Killeen reallocates $3.8 million in park match money to four neighborhood projects
Summary
With a pending federal/state grant uncertain, Killeen Council voted to reallocate $3.8 million of a $4.15 million match toward a mix of design and construction for five park projects across west Killeen and downtown, and set aside remaining funds for a splash pad at Purser Heritage Oaks.
KILLEEN — After staff reported that notification on a $4.15 million federal/state grant for the Westside Regional Park was delayed, the City Council voted April 15 to reallocate $3.8 million of the city’s match to multiple smaller park projects across the city.
Staff said the National Park Service award status was pending and that the city had a letter of intent for 115.38 acres of donated land tied to the larger Westside project. Because the grant timeline is uncertain, staff proposed a reallocation plan that would fund several immediate priorities.
Council approved a package (motion by Council Member Boyd, seconded and amended to reserve leftover funds for a splash pad) that will:
- Fund design only for Bunny Trail Passive Recreation Park and the West Killeen Natural Area & Trail so those projects can proceed to construction planning. - Fully fund design and construction of the 38.5‑acre Goodnight Ranch (Pruitt Ranch) Community Park. - Fully fund the Saddle Ridge pocket park (local neighborhood park) and the Purser Heritage Oaks improvements (playground and restroom).
The council’s reallocation totals $3.8 million, leaving approximately $349,000 that council directed be reserved toward a future splash pad at Purser Heritage Oaks.
Council members cited the immediate community benefits of building smaller, quicker parks in underserved neighborhoods. “This addresses the overwhelming park deficit in District 4,” Council Member Boyd said, urging a mix of projects that provide both fast‑build neighborhood options and design work for larger future projects.
Staff gave cost estimates for each project (design and construction) and noted community outreach had been conducted for several sites; council asked staff to prioritize safety elements such as lighting and patrols where residents had requested them.
What’s next: Staff will begin design work and procurement for the funded items and return with schedules and construction timelines. If the Westside Regional Park grant is later awarded, council may revisit allocations or the larger project scope.
Sources: Staff presentation by Parks & Recreation and City administration, council motions and vote during the April 15 meeting.
