The City of Kyle has been awarded a $750,000 matching grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to support major improvements at Steeplechase Park.
The funding, provided through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Local Park Grant Program, will allow the city to move forward with several projects designed to improve accessibility, expand recreation opportunities, and enhance environmental stewardship, as outlined in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. As a matching grant, the city will contribute an additional $750,000, bringing the total investment in Steeplechase Park upgrades to $1.5 million.
“These improvements are about more than new amenities,” said Parks and Recreation Director David Lopez. “They are about creating a park that is welcoming, accessible, and reflective of what our community has asked for. This grant allows us to deliver meaningful upgrades that will benefit residents for generations.”
Planned improvements include:
- Multi-Use Sports Courts: New courts will support high-demand activities such as pickleball, futsal, and other recreational sports, helping meet the city’s growing need for flexible athletic spaces.
- Disc Golf Course Enhancements: The current course will be enhanced to improve playability, reduce safety concerns, and prevent overlap with conservation areas.
- Pollinator Habitat Creation: An American Bumblebee habitat will be established along Plum Creek using native plants, nesting features, and educational signage. The habitat will support pollinators, stabilize soil, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for visitors.
- Vybe Trail Expansion: The existing 0.6-mile concrete trail will be widened from 6 feet to 12 feet, creating a shared-use path for walkers, runners, cyclists, and strollers. The expansion will improve accessibility and strengthen connections throughout the park.
The grant awarded to the City is structured as a reimbursable funding program, with up to $750,000 available to support eligible project costs. As work progresses, the City will submit documentation to request reimbursement in accordance with program requirements. This approach allows the City to responsibly manage public funds while advancing critical park improvements aligned with statewide standards.
Parks and Recreation is currently finalizing the Steeplechase Park Master Plan, which will serve as the long-term roadmap for park improvements. The park-specific Master Plan is anticipated to be presented to City Council for consideration in April 2026.
If approved, the Master Plan will guide the sequencing, design, and prioritization of future investments at Steeplechase Park, including the projects supported through the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant.
Following Master Plan approval, Parks and Recreation staff will initiate detailed design and construction documentation for a future Phase 1 of improvements. Design activities are expected to continue through the end of the year.
For more information, check out our previous Kyle TX News article:
