American Legion Park at Community House to Receive Upgrades with TP&W Grant
CENTER, Texas (January 29, 2025) – The City of Center received notice of a $250,000 grant award this week by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission through its Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. The grant funds are designated for the improvement and renovation project for American Legion Park, which includes the Community House grounds.
“We are excited about another opportunity to further enhance our park facilities and community.” said Center Mayor David Chadwick further adding, “This addition at the Community House elevates one of the city’s historic treasures used regularly for family reunions, meetings and social events.” The Community House was originally completed in 1942 as part of the Federal Government National Youth Administration (NYA) program according to March 19, 1942 edition of The Champion.
This project will expand the patio behind the Community House, adding a shade structure, landscaping, outdoor seating and adjacent areas for lawn games and similar activities. Two pickleball courts will be installed south of the existing parking lot. Additional lawn games and picnic areas will be included along accessible sidewalks and trails that traverse improved areas and connect to Field Street. Site plans and project information can be found on the City’s website. This project will begin construction within the next six to twelve months.
Over the last decade, all City parks have completed major renovations and expansions. During the 2013 Community House renovation, funding was not available to complete complimentary landscaping and additional park amenities. The 2019 Parks Master Plan identified American Legion Park adapting its focus to provide open space, trails, and adult/family amenities that complement the Community House venue. ”The City pursued this grant to provide financial resources to leverage local funds available to enhance the Community House site to provide funds all the park-related improvements,” stated Chad Nehring, City Manager.
This project is the culmination of the Park Master Plan priority for redevelopment of all existing parks. It also includes items from the ranked list of desired park features and amenities the 2019 Parks Master Plan as identified from community surveys that were not already addressed at other parks. Additional information on this project plan and Parks Master Plan are available at the City website at www.CenterTexas.org
Attachment | Size |
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Amercain_Legion_Park_Grant-01-29-25.pdf | 77.99 KB |
2024.11.05 - American Legion Park - Site Master Plan - Graphics Book (Digital).pdf | 1.71 MB |
AmericanLegionPark-Project Overview.pdf | 633.29 KB |