LCRA, PEC award $25,000 grant for new restrooms at popular Granite Shoals park

City of Granite Shoals will remodel much-used restrooms at Bluebriar Park

May 16, 2022

LCRA and Pedernales Electric Cooperative representatives present a $25,000 grant to the City of Granite Shoals for new restrooms at popular Bluebriar Park. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Tim Campbell, fire chief; Joshua Hisey, utilities supervisor; Ron Munos, mayor pro tem and city council member; Jared Fields, PEC public affairs representative; Gary Boshears, police chief; Peggy Smith, assistant city manager; Mark W. Moller, parks committee member; Jeff Looney, city manager; Graham Fisher, parks committee member; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Russell Martin, finance director; Carol Freeman, LCRA Board member; Michele Landfield, parks committee member and promoter; Susan Patten, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; and Kerry Landfield, parks supporter.

GRANITE SHOALS, Texas – Visitors to the popular Bluebriar Park soon will have access to new upgraded restroom facilities, thanks to help from a grant to the City of Granite Shoals from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative. The $25,000 Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $151,075 in matching funds from the city, will pay to remodel public restrooms that will be available to visitors and will help support the first responders who use the park as a staging area during emergencies. The upgrades will put the restrooms in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will make it easier for more people to enjoy the park, said Granite Shoals City Manager Jeff Looney. In addition to a boat ramp, the park, which is the most used public park in Granite Shoals, also provides playscapes, slides, picnic areas, a pavilion and a fishing and swimming area.  “It finally will give the park a restroom that everyone will be comfortable using,” Looney said. “People can rinse off or get a drink of water – it’s just so important for people to have access to these improved facilities.” Looney said the remodeled facilities will provide first responders fighting wildland fires or performing water rescues a better space to prepare for and clean up after emergencies, as well as make the park a bigger draw for community events, birthday parties and fundraisers. The remodeled facilities also will provide the park’s first drinking fountain. The community grant is one of 36 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. PEC is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program. Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. 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 outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations. For more information, visit lcra.org.

About PECFounded in 1938 by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 370,000 accounts across Central Texas. An industry-recognized leader providing outstanding member service and reliable electricity, PEC conducts its business via a transparent and democratic process and highly encourages member participation.

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