Killeen Parks & Rec celebrates grants, milestones

Yahoo

19-02-2025

KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) – The City of Killeen Parks & Recreation Department has announced three major achievements to enhance local recreational offerings and improve water safety within the community.
First, the department has been chosen to participate in the American Red Cross Centennial Campaign. The city says this is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing drowning rates and expanding access to swim lessons. This recognition comes as the Killeen Aquatics division ranks among the top 100 American Red Cross swim lesson providers in the country.
The city says drowning remains the leading cause of death among children aged 1-4, with Bell County's rates exceeding the national average (1.83 per 100,000 residents, with an increased rate of 2.48 per 100,000 among minority groups). However, thanks to Killeen's commitment to water safety education, efforts have significantly mitigated these risks. By joining the Centennial Campaign, Killeen will increase swim lesson availability and affordability while ensuring its staff receives advanced training in aquatic safety and emergency response.
As part of this three-year partnership, Killeen Aquatics will:
Expand swim lesson availability from 800 slots to 1,050 annually
Offer 250 low-cost lessons ($5 per participant) for qualifying low-income families
Maintain 800 standard swim lesson slots at $50 per participant
Receive state-of-the-art training and resources for lifeguards and instructors
Provide all participants with American Red Cross-sponsored water safety kits, including swim caps, stickers, fins, and whistles
Gain national recognition as an 'Ambassador to Water Safety'
Second, the department has been awarded a grant from the Sea Tow Foundation. The city says this comes in partnership with the United States Coast Guard in order to provide state-of-the-art lifejackets for use at local aquatic facilities and boating areas.
The city says in order to further address Bell County's drowning rate, the department will implement a mandatory lifejacket station managed by the Aquatics Supervisor at Lion's Club Park. This initiative is expected to save the city up to $6,200 annually on lifejacket replacements and an additional $908 in signage and station upkeep costs while promoting water safety through training and public awareness.
Finally, Killeen has been awarded a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Local Park Grant Program (LPGP). The city says this is a 50 percent matching reimbursement program which assists municipalities in developing recreational areas.
The city says Killeen ranked eight out of 58 Non-Urban Outdoor Applicants, with only 22 projects receiving funding. The grant will allow for significant improvements at Long Branch Park, including the resurfacing of one existing tennis court into four new pickleball courts, complete with plated nets, new net posts, sidewalk repairs and curb ramp enhancements. The estimated project cost is $25,000.
For more information, you can contact Killeen's Parks & Recreation department at www.killeentexas.gov/rec.
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