Working on Wellness Environments
Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension multidisciplinary community development program

New Grant Opportunity: Texas Parks & Wildlife Local Parks Grants

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Applications Now Open for 2023 Local Parks Grants

The Local Parks Grant Program is now accepting applications to assist local units of government with the acquisition and/or development of public recreation areas and facilities throughout the State of Texas. The Program provides 50% matching grants on a reimbursement basis to eligible applicants. All fund-assisted sites must be dedicated as parkland in perpetuity, properly maintained, and open to the public.  Funding for these programs comes from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods through the Texas Recreation & Parks Account and the Texas Large County & Municipality Recreation & Parks Account. Additional funds come from federal offshore oil and gas royalties through the Land & Water Conservation Fund.    

Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the State of Texas legally responsible for providing public recreation services to their citizens. This includes cities, counties, river authorities, municipal utility districts, and most other special districts.

Applications are available now via the Recreation Grants Online 2020 system through 5:00 PM CST on August 1, 2022. Funding recommendations will be presented to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, who makes final decisions regarding awards of program funds, in January of 2023. If you have questions regarding the Local Parks Grant Program please contact the Local Park Grants team or our office at rec.grants@tpwd.texas.gov or at (512) 389-8224.

Community Challenge 2022

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The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Working on Wellness Environments program is kicking off the 2022 WOW-E Community Challenge, an initiative for local leaders to pilot test community efforts utilizing policy, system, and environmental changes. We encourage you to attend an CC22 Action Institute and to submit an application for demonstrations to pilot test projects to assist your community in promoting increased physical activity levels and improved access to healthy foods. These projects must be steps toward building and/or strengthening larger system, environmental plans, policy changes, etc. Technical assistance and support will be awarded to up to 15 applicants from Hudspeth, Maverick, Starr, Webb, and Zapata to implement their demonstration projects.  

Click Here to Visit the Community Challenge 2022 Webpage

Pilot-testing Walkability from local Middle School to the Park

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In collaboration with Rio Grande City Parks and Recreation and Working on Wellness Environments, RGCCISD Veterans Middle School Student Council worked to pilot-test walkability between their middle school and Miriam Vale Park. This area currently lacks some sidewalks, crosswalks, and walkways. Rio Grande City Parks and Recreation applied for a WOW-E Community Challenge to pilot-test the infrastructure. Pilot-testing occurred for one week. The Parks Department is currently Working with WOW-E Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop design concepts for more permanent changes.

“I know parents have been calling in regards to the sidewalks. Following this project, kids have already told me they feel safer.”

Frank Eguia
Rio Grande City Parks and Recreation Director

Grant Opportunities: AARP Community Challenge & State Farm Neighborhood Assist

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AARP Community Challenge

“The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older. “

The AARP Community Challenge Grant is now open until March 22, 5pm (ET) https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/community-challenge/

State Farm Neighborhood Assist

“With more submissions and more grants, State Farm Neighborhood Assist® is going bigger on building stronger neighborhoods together in 2022. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of State Farm®, we’re awarding 100 $25,000 grants (vs. 40 grants in previous years) to causes making a difference in their communities.”

To learn more about/apply for the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant visit https://www.neighborhoodassist.com/

Submissions open on February 16th at 1pm (ET)

Rio Grande City Public Library StoryWalk (TM)

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In partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Working on Wellness Environment’s team, the Rio Grande City Public Library held its first-ever StoryWalk(TM). The event was held at Miriam S. Vale Municipal Park in Rio Grande City, TX. StoryWalk(TM) combines literature and physical activity and places a children’s story along a walking path. The WOW-E team worked with local librarian Norma Fultz, the City of Rio Grande City, and community volunteers to bring the StoryWalk(TM) to life. To read more about StoryWalk(TM) click here.

If you would like more information on how you can start a StoryWalk(TM) in your community, reach out to a WOW-E team member.