MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION

Department Update

Mansfield Parks and Recreation has been awarded a $750,000 non-urban outdoor recreation grant for James McKnight Park West from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) During their meeting on January 26, TPWC approved $9.9 million in competitive grants for city and county park projects from across the state, funding 20 of 52 eligible requests.

This is the second Texas Parks and Wildlife grant for McKnight Park West (302 N Wisteria St ), whose initial development was funded by the state organization nearly 35 years ago While heavily used as a major trailhead for the Walnut Creek Linear Trail, the park has remained largely untouched since its opening and has no recreational opportunities for residents. In the 2020 Mansfield Parks and Recreation Master Plan, improvements to McKnight West were identified as the fourth highest priority for the southwest quadrant of the city based on community feedback and needs assessments. This project was the highest unfunded item on that list until today’s announcement.

Project highlights include an accessible, multi-age playground and swings and shade, Mansfield’s first disc golf course, pavilions, picnic tables and other park amenities, a looped walking trail with exercise equipment and a Walnut Creek Linear Trail expansion to Julian Feild Park.

The exact amenities and layout will be determined during the planning process and after a series of public engagement opportunities starting this spring to get current feedback from residents and stakeholders. No date has been set for the start of construction as the city and Texas Parks and Wildlife work to finalize the agreement.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission grant will be federally funded through the Land & Water Conservation Fund, which requires a 50% matching contribution from the city The total cost for the improvements at James McKnight Park West are estimated at $2 1 million. The required matching funds for the grant will come from the city’s half-cent sales tax fund.