The land and water conservation fund (LWCF) state and local assistance program provides matching grants to develop parks owned by states and local communities

The Department of the Interior National Park Service awarded $1.5 million through the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for park development projects in Weatherford, Texas. The award, effective October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028, funds improvements at McGratton Park through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program. Financing derives from offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal appropriations, and the project is designed to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and public access for the general community.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as the prime grantee, will subaward funds to the City of Weatherford to implement facility development and infrastructure improvements at McGratton Park. The City of Weatherford, designated as the sub-awardee, will serve as the direct implementer of the park enhancement project. This subaward structure aligns with standard LWCF program practices, whereby state agencies identify projects consistent with their Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans and distribute matching grants to local municipalities for specific park development initiatives.

Based on its outdoor recreation priorities, the state has selected grant projects to receive LWCF funding. LWCF grants are made pursuant to 54 U.S.C. 2003 and are funded by offshore oil and gas lease revenue, not tax dollars. In this project, the texas parks and wildlife department will make a subaward to the city of weatherford for developments at mcgratton park. This project will benefit the general public.