Significance: Park and recreation partnerships are more likely to succeed when the parties involved meet the following criteria: (a) are highly motivated and interdependent, (b) have an authoritative facilitator that initiates the process, and (c) the facilitator coordinates activities between entities (James, 1999). Even though the entities involved in the partnership highlighted in this presentation had significantly different objectives, the necessary criteria were established to form a successful partnership. With declining availability of funds for construction of community recreational facilities, communities are searching for innovative and creative ways to receive recreational related funding. This presentation provides insight into the unique partnership between community recreation and rare plant conservation. Design: To have a better chance of receiving funding and to create a publicly protected sanctuary for the federally endangered plant, the Texas Poppy Mallow (TPM), an alliance was formed among city, county, state and federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The Texas Mitchell County Economic Board of Development served as the authoritative facilitator and coordinated the activities of 20 agencies, entities or individuals. Participants provided a variety of resources including funds, expertise, labor, and access to native plants with efforts directed toward the building of the complex or development of the sanctuary and the reintroduction of the plant species. Typically, site selection for reintroduction is a critical decision process. In this case, opportunity was one of the primary determinants. The soil at the sports complex site consists of Tivoli fine sands, which is the soil series in which all known TPM populations occur. A one-acre area at the site was dedicated to the TPM study and experimental plots were established. Both seeds and seedlings were planted within the plots using various treatments and were monitored weekly to record survivorship. Results: Mitchell County was awarded $441,000 from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Matching Grant Program and Partners for Fish and Wildlife to build a 20-acre sports complex. Recently completed, the outdoor complex includes: (a) soccer, (b) baseball and softball fields, (c) walking track, (d) volleyball and basketball courts, (d) horseshoe pitching area, (e) xeriscape demonstration garden, (f) playground, and (g) concession stand with restrooms. Funds were awarded, in large part, because Mitchell County created a sanctuary for the TPM. Currently, 36 TPM plants are growing at the site. This partnership represents the first endeavor to restore this plant species.