LCRA, City of Mason award $50,000 grant for upgrades at Mason tennis courts

Lighting and electrical overhaul will enhance safety, expand access at community tennis center

May 28, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA and the City of Mason award the Mason Tennis Association a $50,000 grant to replace outdated lighting and upgrade electrical wiring at the community tennis courts on the Mason ISD campus.
  • The project will improve safety, reliability and accessibility at the Helen Tallent Tennis Center.
  • The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.
LCRA representatives present a $50,000 grant to the Mason Tennis Association for electrical and lighting upgrades. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: John Palacio, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Hondo Powell, LCRA Regional Affairs vice president; Nancy Eckert Yeary, LCRA Board member; Tim Lehmberg, Central Texas Electric Cooperative director, District 5, and Gillespie County Economic Development Commission director; Carol Freeman and Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board members; Sean Leamon, Mason ISD superintendent; Angela Smith, association secretary/treasurer; Cade Smith, Mason High School head tennis coach; Wendy Ratliff, association president; Melissa K. Blanding, LCRA Board member; Emily Hicks, association vice president; and Janet Schmidt, former Mason High School coach.
MASON, Texas – The Mason Tennis Association soon will replace antiquated, unreliable lighting and upgrade electrical wiring at its popular community tennis center, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Mason.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $65,000 in matching funds from the association, will improve the safety, reliability and usability of the courts at the Helen Tallent Tennis Center on the Mason ISD campus. Updated LED lighting and electrical infrastructure will modernize the facility and provide reliable lighting, enhancing the overall experience for recreational players, school athletics and community programming.

“We are excited to make these improvements to our tennis center, as our existing lighting has become increasingly unpredictable over time,” said Angela Smith, secretary and treasurer of the Mason Tennis Association. “As stewards of this facility, MTA recognizes the need to invest in infrastructure that better serves our community members while ensuring the courts remain a safe and welcoming place to play.”

The community is free to use the courts outside of school and scheduled activities at the center. In addition, the tennis center regularly hosts youth lessons, school practices, recreational play and multi-day tournaments.

The current lighting has reached the end of its useful life, and the planned upgrades to reliable, energy-efficient LED lighting represent an important investment in the long-term usability and safety of the community tennis center.

“Reliable lighting and updated electrical infrastructure will significantly improve safety and allow more consistent use of the courts during both early morning and evening hours,” Smith said. “We felt LCRA would be a strong partner in helping MTA bring this vision to life, and these improvements will help ensure the facility continues to serve the Mason community for years to come.”

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

Clara Tuma
512-578-3292
[email protected]
After hours: 512-944-6719

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. 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. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.