The Work Projects Administration (WPA) was established on May 6, 1935 as a relief measure during the Great Depression. It was phased out in 1943, when employment increased.

The greatest single area of WPA public spending in Texas was in construction. Sponsors had to provide one-fourth of the construction costs. Projects included parks, swimming pools, highways, bridges, and stadiums. Recreational facilities were increased, and recreational leadership and organizational help were also boosted under the WPA. Leisure-time activities were provided for people of all ages, races, and economic groups during all seasons of the year. The WPA built and organized preschool play centers, playgrounds, community recreation centers, toy loan centers, athletic leagues, boys’ clubs and girls’ clubs, and centers for armed forces personnel during the period of World War II.

Source: Work Projects Administration (WPA)
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