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Wichita Falls to seek TPWD grant to upgrade Jelenic Park with fitness playground and tornado‑resistant restroom
Summary
Parks staff received council permission to submit a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant application for up to $750,000 to improve Jelenic Park; the proposed $615,000 project would need a 50/50 match from the city (~$307,500).
Parks and Recreation staff won council authorization July 21 to apply to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Local Parks Non‑Urban Outdoor Grant program for improvements at Jelenic Park.
The proposal described to council includes a fitness playground (approximately $250,000), a prefabricated concrete restroom designed to be tornado‑resistant (about $240,000), and replacement/renovation of an existing playground ($125,000). Staff estimated a total project cost near $615,000; the grant allows submissions up to $750,000 and requires a 50/50 match, which staff estimated would mean the city must commit roughly $307,500 if awarded.
Kaylee (Parks staff) said the project is competitive—TPWD awarded about $20 million statewide last year—and staff intend to make a strong application focused on amenities for multiple age groups and on event space that supports community activities such as Juneteenth and the Camp Sunnyside multipurpose center. She said the proposed restrooms are prefabricated concrete units that would also serve as a tornado shelter for the community.
Council asked about vandalism and restroom access; staff described timing locks and keypad options that would allow hours to be set for public access and said staff would develop policies to ensure restrooms could be unlocked for emergencies or severe weather.
The council approved submission of the grant application by voice vote.
