Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
lhornsby@co.collin.tx.us

February 27, 2004

Collin County Bond Funds Available for Parks & Open Space

(McKinney, TX) - Non-profit organizations and municipalities now have the opportunity to apply for a share of $2.2 million in Parks & Open Space funds. As a result of the 2003 Collin County Bond Program, there is funding available for projects including, but not limited to, acquisition and improvement of open spaces, parks and recreational facilities.

Collin County will begin mailing application packets on Monday to all communities and previous applicants. Applications are also available by contacting the Collin County Special Projects Department, located at 825 North McDonald Street in McKinney or by calling 972-548-3744. The deadline for submitting applications is July 2, 2004. The Parks Foundation Advisory Board will conduct a review process between July and September and funding recommendations will be submitted to the Collin County Commissioners Court in October, 2004.

Collin County communities needing assistance to embark on a Parks and Open Space program can obtain the Collin County Parks & Open Space Strategic Plan by contacting the Special Projects Department. The Strategic Plan includes guidebook (Appendix K) that can assist communities in the preparation of their own Parks and Open Space Plan.

The County will also conduct two question and answer forums on Wednesday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., at the Collin County Engineering conference room, 825 N. McDonald Street in McKinney. Participants are urged to submit questions to tnelson@collincountytexas.gov by Monday, March 29.

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