City earns $1.5M for recreation facilities

By Editor | July 21, 2026 |

By Breyana Segura

The city of Pearsall is moving forward with a major overhaul of its local recreational infrastructure after securing a $1.5 million grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The competitive state funding operates as a 50/50 matching grant, requiring a $733,000 financial match from the city.

During the project presentation, City Manager Federico Reyes said the administration is considering using Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to help cover the city’s matching portion.

Community Development Director Krystal Garcia said the city is cleared to accept the award, which launches a timeline aimed at a grand reopening of the Victor Trevino Sports Complex in Spring 2028.

City councilors originally learned they had successfully secured the competitive state grant in December 2025.

“We do want to include a larger splash pad, hoping to engage those children who are not playing sports,” Garcia said during the Tuesday, July 14, meeting.

To ensure sustainability, the TPWD is proposing using a recirculating system for the new splash pad; the system is designed to conserve and recycle water while keeping the water available for patrons.

According to the established project timeline, the city expects to accept the grant award formally in October 2026.

Garcia said the city plans to retain Debra Dockery for the design phase, bypassing the need to outsource the architectural work. The city administration reported Dockery will build on the original park master plan she devised in November 2024, using existing data developed in collaboration with Councilor Ramiro Trevino.

Dockery’s initial data incorporated feedback from public surveys, which revealed that the highest community requests centered on creating dedicated space for festivals and special events. The second most requested addition was space for family-centered activities – including picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, and playgrounds.

The comprehensive project scope addressed many of those community priorities through several major additions and long-deferred upgrades including a splash pad, inclusive children’s playground, accessible sidewalks, heavily needed upgrades to concession stand and bathrooms, a shaded seating area, picnic tables, nesting boxes, community gardens, expansion of the jogging trail, and additional lighting.

The city plans to open the project for construction bids in early 2027, with building phases spanning the remainder of the year.

Garcia said heavy construction – anticipated to peak between June and October 2027 – may cause some disruption to next year’s Little League season.

“Of course, again with estimations, construction timelines will physically overlap with traditional sports programs, prompting the need for temporary alternative logistics,” the community development director said. “However, we are going to do everything possible to not hinder their season.”

Following the presentation, Reyes expressed his gratitude to city staff for their persistence in securing the funding, giving special recognition to former Community Development Director Yolanda Moran, for their diligence in pushing the grant application.