LCRA awards $14,560 grant to install shade at McWhirter Park


LCRA representatives present a $14,560 grant to the City of Flatonia to build shading over city park softball bleachers. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Mark McLaughlin, Flatonia city manager; Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; Beverly Ponder, Flatonia Chamber of Commerce executive director; and Kate Holman, LCRA governmental affairs representative.

Visitors to the G. F. & Audrey McWhirter City Park soon will be able to watch softball games shaded from the blazing Texas sun, thanks to a $14,560 community grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority. The grant will pay for constructing a shade structure over three sections of the spectator bleachers at the park’s popular softball fields.

The new aluminum and steel structure will include a gutter system to capture rainwater and divert it to the parking lot. The rainwater diversion will help mitigate issues with erosion on the field, saving the city repair costs after heavy rains.

“Our softball field is a first-rate facility, and with the added spectator shaded area, the attractiveness of this facility for other teams and tournaments will benefit both the city of Flatonia and the Flatonia school district,” said Mark McLaughlin, Flatonia city manager. “Without this generous grant from LCRA, the project would not be realized for a number of years.”

The McWhirter Park softball field is used throughout the year, but is busiest during spring and summer. The Flatonia High School team and participants in various Little League and other special tournaments all play at the softball field. In addition to shading spectators, the project also promises to boost tourism by helping to attract new tournaments.

The City of Flatonia will provide matching funds of $3,600.

The community grant is one of a number of grants recently awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. The program provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in LCRA’s electric and water service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves.

Applications for the next round of grants are due July 31. More information is available at
lcra.org/cdpp.

About LCRA
​The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; ensuring a clean, reliable water supply; and offering access to nature at more than 40​ parks, recreation areas and river access sites along the Texas Colorado River, from the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to enhancing the lives of Texans through water stewardship, energy and community services. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. For more information, visit
lcra.org.

Media Contact
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
clara.tuma@lcra.org


Source: LCRA Business News

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