The big picture
The grant authorizes the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation to provide a little over $1.5 million from its fund balance to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for upgrades that include new field lighting, restroom improvements and a lightning detection system.
PCDC Executive Director Jerry Jones told council members the project had already received unanimous approval from the PCDC board following a public hearing and was eligible for funding under state law governing economic development corporations.
Why now?
Parks and Recreation Director Shane Mize said the improvements are necessary as park usage has increased and aging infrastructure struggles to meet demand.
He noted that Wells Point Park recorded about 138,000 users last year, with visitors representing 97 different ZIP codes, including out-of-state attendees.
“We believe this park is an economic driver,” Mize said. “It aligns directly with what the [PCDC] funds are used for.”
According to Mize, approximately $900,000 of the grant will go toward replacing field lights, about $600,000 will fund restroom upgrades and roughly $21,000 will be used for a lightning-detection system.
The project does not include field rehabilitation, which Mize said has already been completed using other city funds in recent years.
