AUSTIN — Today, the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Commission approved a grant in the amount of $500,000 for the City of Hidalgo's Villa Garza Flores and Valle Alto Parks. This funding is available through the TPW Local Grants Program, Non-Urban Outdoor Grant Projects. Funding for these grants comes from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods.

The proposed development from the City of Hidalgo includes acquiring 3 acres to develop both parks located at High Low Drive and East Flores Street. The new parks will include playscapes, trails, picnic units, splash pad, wheelchair swing, pavilion with basketball markings and rain harvesting facilities, exercise stations and a community garden.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa was influential in the legislature's decision to appropriate $90 million to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for critical park repairs and projects for city and county parks across Texas.

"I am pleased with the $500,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission that will go towards creating two beautiful and functional parks for our families in the City of Hidalgo. This project will also help the community by generating jobs, providing a site for neighborhood events, and contributing to a healthy lifestyle for residents who use the park facilities," stated Senator Hinojosa.

Hidalgo Mayor Martin Cepeda also commented, "It's exciting to see our proposed park projects receive funding to turn the Villa Garza Flores and Valle Alto Parks into a vibrant place to bring our local families together. Thank you to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for supporting our community."

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