El Paso County outlines improvements to 6 parks in region using $1.3 million state grant

New features and renovations will be coming to six parks across El Paso County.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission granted nearly $1.3 million in park renovations to El Paso County Parks and Recreation through the Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant, county officials announced Tuesday.

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The grant will cover renovations to ensure that all children living in El Paso County have access to safe, high-quality play areas at Agua Dulce, Westway, Estrella, Sparks, Gallegos and Ascarate parks.

In partnership with El Paso Skatepark Association and KABOOM!, a national nonprofit that works to achieve play-space equity, the parks will see the following renovations:

• Five basketball courts will be renovated into multisport courts
• Three skateparks
• Three adventure courses
• Two playground replacements with inclusive amenities that exceed American with Disabilities Act standards

“We are incredibly excited to have received this (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) grant and honored to partner with KABOOM! and El Paso Skatepark Association to provide amazing recreational facilities to improve the health and wellness of all citizens and visitors in the county of El Paso," Veronica Myers, director of El Paso County Parks and Recreation, said in a news release.

The Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant, which is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, is reserved for governments where populations exceed 500,000. El Paso was one of six Texas communities selected for the grant. 

Anthony Jackson may be reached at ADJackson@elpasotimes.com and @TonyAnjackson on Twitter.