Killeen Planning New Pickleball Courts: Killeen residents could soon enjoy enhanced recreational opportunities, as the city moves forward with plans to secure funding for new pickleball courts at Long Branch Park. Recently, the Killeen City Council unanimously voted to apply for a grant under the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Local Park Grant Program. This initiative aims to bolster local recreational areas by providing substantial funding support.
Jarrod Provost, interim executive director of Killeen’s Parks and Recreation Department, presented the grant proposal during a recent council workshop. Alongside the pickleball court at Long Branch Park, the grant would fund approximately $192,000 in improvements at Fowler Park. These enhancements include new sidewalks, signage, water fountains, irrigation systems, and shade trees.
Highlighting the scope of the project, Provost showcased plans for a playground set at Fowler Park, set to be included in the upcoming improvements.
The proposed transformation at Long Branch Park involves resurfacing an existing tennis court and replacing it with four state-of-the-art pickleball courts, an investment estimated at $25,000. The total cost of both projects is projected at $217,000, with the city committing to match half of this amount, totaling $108,500.
Mayor Debbie Nash-King expressed her enthusiasm for the plan during the council meeting, particularly praising the addition of pickleball courts. “Pickleball is something that is much needed because it’s really growing in the senior community and now with young people,” Nash-King remarked. “So I’m really truly thankful that the money, the grant, is going throughout the city of Killeen to update our parks because that is a vital part into our quality of life for residents to have parks.”
Councilman Michael Boyd, known for his advocacy on park projects, echoed support for the initiative, saying, “It’s always good to see park improvements,“ Much credit to Parks and Recreation Department for pursuing and being successful in these park grant opportunities.”
Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Gonzalez echoed these sentiments, underscoring the community’s excitement for the potential park upgrades.
Pending approval of the grant, Killeen residents can look forward to enjoying enhanced recreational facilities that cater to diverse community needs.
News in Brief: Killeen Planning New Pickleball Courts
Killeen is advancing plans for new pickleball courts at Long Branch Park through a Texas Parks & Wildlife grant, complemented by $192,000 in enhancements at Fowler Park. These improvements include sidewalks, signage, and playground additions.
The project proposes transforming a tennis court into four modern pickleball courts, totaling $217,000 with the city’s $108,500 match. Mayor Nash-King and Councilman Boyd praised the initiative for meeting community recreational demands, especially among seniors and youth. Pending grant approval, Killeen anticipates upgraded parks to enrich resident quality of life with diverse recreational opportunities.
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