If you’ve enjoyed a picnic or event in a local Woodcreek park, or if you’ve noticed an improvement in traffic flow or water drainage, then thank a grant! In recent years, our community has actively pursued these funding mechanisms to enhance our quality of life.

Grants are a vital funding source for small communities like Woodcreek because they provide access to resources that would otherwise be out of reach for towns with limited tax bases and modest operating budgets. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid, allowing local governments to invest in infrastructure, parks, and public services without burdening residents with higher taxes or debt.

They also help accelerate community improvements—such as road repairs, drainage upgrades, and park amenities—that might take years to fund solely through general revenues. In addition, grants often encourage regional collaboration and innovation, connecting small cities to county, state, and federal partners who can provide technical expertise and matching funds.

Recent and pending grants received by Woodcreek exceed $1 million. Here are brief overviews of each recent grant award received by Woodcreek, a brief description, and its benefits to the community:

• $200,000 Hays County Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) Grant for City Parks Improvements. Woodcreek was awarded this grant in 2023 to support improvements across its park system—specifically upgrades to the playground at Creekside Park and installation of a gazebo at Triangle Park. The enhancements aim to create expanded, multi-generational outdoor gathering spots and play areas, supporting community interaction and physical activity for residents of all ages.
• $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Road & Drainage on Deerfield Drive. The City leveraged this federal‐state block grant in 2024 to address critical infrastructure needs—specifically road resurfacing and improved drainage along Deerfield Drive. With increasing development pressure and drainage challenges noted in the City’s infrastructure reviews, this investment helps reduce flood risk, improve pavement conditions, and enhance emergency access while preserving property values and quality of life for residents. 
• $25,000 Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Grant for ADA Public Bathroom at Creekside Park. This summer, the City received a grant from LCRA and the Pedernales Electric Cooperative to build the first permanent public restroom facility at Creekside Park. The new facility is ADA-compliant and replaces a temporary porta-potty. In addition, this amenity supports the City’s efforts to enhance its park infrastructure as Woodcreek grows. 
• $300,000 Texas General Land Office (GLO) Grant for Comprehensive Plan & Ordinance Updates. Woodcreek is in the process of securing a GLO grant to fund an update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and related ordinance revisions. The existing plan serves as a blueprint for land use, transportation, parks, and infrastructure. This next phase will better position the City to handle growth thoughtfully, align development regulations with community goals, and strengthen long-term guidance for land use, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure maintenance.

A sincere thank you goes out to Councilman Chrys Grummert and City Staff for their work in researching, applying for, and securing these valuable monies. Grants allow our community to plan for long-term resilience. They enhance public safety, accessibility, water conservation, and environmental stewardship—while maintaining the small-town character and fiscal responsibility that residents value.