Illegal fireworks scorched newly installed turf at Willis C. Winters Park, closing the field while officials investigate and community leaders vow to rebuild.

New reporting and longtime mammal inventories show more than 100,000 free‑roaming exotic mammals in Texas — from nilgai to blackbuck — raising disease and regulatory questions. The split between free‑roaming animals and fenced game ranches complicates management.

A bobcat was sighted near Johnson and Pearson in Keller; officials urged residents to give it room and watch small pets.

Fort Worth jumped 14 spots in Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore after opening schoolyards and approving a $185M parks bond. City leaders say partnerships and targeted spending moved the needle.

The Park Board was briefed on proposed cuts that could shrink rec‑center hours, close pools, and pare back summer camps and maintenance across Dallas.

Allen is spending more than $8M to upgrade playgrounds citywide, from a $5M Celebration Park overhaul to neighborhood play‑lot replacements already under way.

Fort Worth broke ground on the Bomber Spur Trail, converting an old WWII rail spur into a 12‑ft shared path that will link West Fort Worth to the regional trail network.

A black bear tracked since July 2025 has reemerged in East Texas, and TPWD says it overwintered there — a first in more than 50 years.

Irving accepted a $2.1M ceremonial check as officials marked the Campion Trail’s completion, a milestone in years of piecemeal construction to link a regional greenbelt. The post credits work on Elm Fork Extension phases and lists nearby cities now connected by the trail.

Gov. Abbott cut the ribbon Friday on Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, opening 4,871 acres of Cross Timbers hills, trails and Tucker Lake to the public.

DeSoto marks the opening of its new Aquatic and Recreation Center with a free ribbon‑cutting event this Saturday. Tours, demos and food trucks are scheduled.

An 884-pound Atlantic bluefin caught off Galveston has been certified as the new Texas state record. TPWD listed the fish among 2025’s Angler Recognition Program awards.

Dallas adopted a consolidated master plan for White Rock Lake on March 25, setting priorities for trails, wildlife protections and a phased dredging program.