Editor’s Note: The following is the statement from the Kingsland Chamber about the Kingsland Community Park deal with KMUD..
The Kingsland Community Park will soon be managed by Kingsland Municipal Utility District (KMUD) under terms of an agreement reached by KMUD and the Kingsland Chamber of Commerce.
The park was deeded to the “Community of Kingsland” in 1962, with the chamber’s board of directors identified as trustees of the property. Over the years, the chamber has maintained the park, sometimes with the help of other local groups, such as the Lions Club.
The Kingsland Community Park has never been supported by tax dollars -- yet major improvements have been made since 2018.
These include modern restrooms, an upgraded boat ramp with courtesy docks, a new fishing pier, and the addition of benches, sidewalks, and paved parking.
This progress reflects a strong community effort, made possible through chamber-led coordination and funding, targeted grant support, and the time and talent of dedicated local volunteers.
“Actively managing a public park is not a typical chamber responsibility, and it requires ongoing time and attention that goes beyond our organization’s capacity.
As trustees, our board believes KMUD is better positioned to dedicate the bandwidth and resources needed to operate and enhance the park over the long term,” said Andy Virdell, chamber president. “We look forward to seeing KMUD take the park to the next level in serving Kingsland residents and visitors.”
The chamber had been raising funds to renovate the hall at the park. Donors will have the option of receiving permanent recognition when KMUD completes hall renovations, or having donations returned by the chamber.
As part of the agreement, KMUD will pay the Kingsland Chamber of Commerce an amount equal to the outstanding debt on the park, which had been used for paving and striping of the boat trailer parking areas.
