LCRA, City of Hallettsville award $25,000 grant to Lavaca Swimming Pool

New splash pad will provide water recreation option for pool’s youngest users

May 26, 2022

LCRA and City of Hallettsville representatives present a $25,000 grant for a new splash pad at the Lavaca Swimming Pool. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Grace Ward, city manager; Rick Arnic, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Allison Steffek, pool board member; Cindy Renken, city council member and mayor pro tem; Jennifer Hagan, pool board member and pool manager; Sammi Silgero, pool board vice president; Alice Jo Summers, mayor; Shawn Funderberger, pool facility maintenance; JoAnn Shimek, Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce executive director; and Mike Jansky, pool board president.

HALLETTSVILLE, Texas – The Lavaca Swimming Pool will be able to install a splash pad to enhance the water recreation activities available at the pool, thanks to help from a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Hallettsville. The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $150,000 in matching funds from the recipient, will allow the Lavaca Swimming Pool to install a splash pad with water features that can operate with less maintenance than a swimming pool. “Our swimming pool is more than 60 years old – one of the oldest in the state – and we have not only prevented it from closing, but restored it to an amazing community facility,” said Jennifer Hagan, Lavaca Swimming Pool board member and pool manager. “This splash pad is such an important addition because we need a safe, fun place for our youngest kids who currently have limited water recreation options at our pool.” The splash pad, which will include a water cannon and features that dump and spray water, may be open longer than the typical summer swimming season, Hagan said. “Because the splash pad doesn’t need lifeguards like our swimming areas, we could extend our splash pad season and continue to have concessions available at times of the year when staffing can be a challenge,” Hagan said. “Currently, the closest splash pad is in Victoria, so having a splash pad here will make it much easier for residents to access and enjoy.” Hagan said the outpouring of community support has saved the pool and made it possible to provide additional amenities. “We are proud to have this historical icon, and we are so appreciative of every donation that has helped our pool become a wonderful place for people to come together and enjoy our community,” Hagan said. “We are excited to keep adding features to serve residents as we continue to grow.” 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. The City of Hallettsville 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.

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