The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has awarded more than $30.9 million in park grants statewide, with more than $4 million earmarked for local parks and community areas in Central Texas.

The grants — which will be awarded to each park's local government — will be used to help develop, renovate, and otherwise improve recreational opportunities for local parks. Funds are awarded on a 50-50 reimbursement match basis, according to a press release.

"Once funded, the sites must remain parkland in perpetuity, properly maintained and open to the public," the release says.

Three different grants were awarded to to 50 Texas community parks based on population: An urban outdoor recreation grant for cities with populations more than 500,000; a non-urban outdoor recreation grant for cities with populations under 500,000; and a small community recreation grant for towns with populations fewer than 20,000.

In all, seven grants were awarded in Central Texas, with three greater Austin-area parks receiving $1.64 million.

The list of Austin-area parks, funds, and uses for the grants are listed below:

• John D. and Byrd Mims Garison Memorial Park in Buda — $750,000 non-urban outdoor grant for phase one development of water access points, installation of a swimming hole, a kayak/canoe launch with a washing station, bird blind and canopy walk, an overlook with elevated views, a nature play area, and site amenities.
• Jones Brothers Park in Jonestown — $140,000 small community grant for renovations, including the replacement of an existing playground and fencing along with the addition of shade.
• Lockhart Aquatics Facility — $750,000 non-urban outdoor grant for development of a leisure pool with a water table, zero depth entry, small bucket dump, program space, volleyball net, and basketball nets.