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Kerr County approves Lions Park concept and engineering proposal; group has raised $40,000 toward a roughly $1.5M project
Summary
Commissioners unanimously approved the Lions Park conceptual design, an engineering proposal and a first amendment to include the Kerr County River Foundation in an MOU. The foundation said it has raised about $40,000 and is pursuing grants; county staff and FEMA coordination requirements will shape the timeline and scope.
Kerr County commissioners on April 13 approved a package of actions to move Lions Park in Centerpoint from concept to engineering and fundraising.
Katie Graham, speaking for the Kerr County River Foundation, said the group has raised "about 40,000 to support the park's design and engineering phase" and has applied for additional grants including a $100,000 LC grant and others. She described a community‑driven conceptual design that includes a restroom facility and donated playground equipment and estimated a total project cost of about $1.5 million.
County engineer staff and commissioners emphasized two practical constraints: ensuring any new structures will not raise floodway levels and coordinating with FEMA, which is still processing pre‑disaster restoration for the park. Bobby Gore told the court the county will require engineering modeling to confirm no rise in the floodway and recommended the foundation coordinate civil and structural engineering with the county. A staff member noted the county's FEMA split (75% federal / 25% local) on pre‑disaster repairs and suggested amending the FEMA scope if the county will accept donated improvements.
Commissioners also discussed long‑term maintenance. Graham said the River Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and intends to pursue a parks operations and maintenance agreement that would allow the foundation to fundraise and assume upkeep. Commissioners suggested security options (magnetic locks, contracted monitoring) and noted comparable agreements exist elsewhere in Texas.
The court unanimously approved the design concept, the engineering proposal and a first amendment to an existing MOU to include the Kerr County River Foundation.
Why it matters: The project would restore and expand a community park after flood damage, provide new amenities for youth and families, and involve FEMA coordination and private funding to limit county operating costs.
What's next: Engineering modeling by Sevitas (per the foundation) to confirm floodway compliance, continued fundraising to reach an estimated $1.5 million project cost, and a future appearance before the court to consider a maintenance agreement if the foundation seeks authority to operate and maintain the park.
