LCRA and City of Mason representatives present a $16,390 grant to the M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library to build a Discovery Garden. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Mark Hahn, holding grandson Otto Holubec; Steve Dyer, LCRA Governmental Affairs representative; Joyce Mutschink, library board president; Reggie Loeffler, Mason County commissioner; Martha Leigh M. Whitten, LCRA Board member; John Palacio, City of Mason city manager; J.D. Kidwell, library board project manager; Patti Grote, library director; and Nancy Scholibo, assistant librarian.
M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library will be able to build an outdoor play and garden area thanks to a $16,390 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Mason.
The new Discovery Garden will include a covered pavilion, benches, walking paths, fencing and an entryway with signage. The garden will be an outdoor space for play, building, music, art and reading. This kind of play enriches early childhood development, laying the groundwork for later success in school and in life.
“The grant will allow us to use our entire facility for the benefit and enjoyment of all our community members,” said Patti Grote, director of M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library. “Outside play in the Discovery Garden will spark curiosity and exploration by providing a safe and unique play area for our community’s youth.”
The garden’s play area will be designed for preschool through elementary students and will help nurture an appreciation of nature and the library.
Mason County will provide a matching contribution of $4,089.
The community grant is awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in LCRA’s wholesale electric and water service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. The City of Mason is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and a partner in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted Jan. 1-31, 2019. 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; providing 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
