LCRA awards $19,000 grant to Harper Community Park Association

Two-story announcer stand and events office will serve visitors at new arena

May 25, 2022

LCRA representatives present a $19,000 grant to the Harper Community Park Association to build an events office and announcer stand for its planned arena. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Steve Dyer, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Michael L. “Mike” Allen, Nancy Eckert Yeary, Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter and Carol Freeman, LCRA Board members; Steve Wetz, project director; Keith Kramer, county commissioner, Precinct 2; Kenny Bode, Harper Community Park Association board member; and Wayne “Tiny” Brown, HCPA board member.

GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas – The Harper Community Park Association will be able to construct two important additions to its new planned arena thanks to a $19,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority. The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $20,600 in matching funds from the park association, will help construct the new arena’s events office and announcer stand. “We are so excited to get a new park arena complex, because the previous one had to be demolished due to safety concerns from falling into disrepair after about 50 years of use,” said Steve Wetz, project director. “We have so much interest from people wanting another place like this – to hold re‑enactments, host cultural events, have rodeos, ride horses and give riding lessons.” The planned arena also will be available for clubs and organizations to rent. The facility will be a good option for groups looking for a venue they can reserve without worrying about the weather, Wetz said. “This announcer stand and events office for our new arena will help provide a safe, enjoyable place for people in the community, our schools, our local nonprofit groups and other charitable organizations,” Wetz said. “Our new arena with all of its amenities will be such an important addition to our community.” 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. 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.

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