LCRA, City of Hallettsville award $50,000 grant for renovations to City Park

School district will update concession stands and restrooms to provide safer, more comfortable site for activities

June 2, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA and the City of Hallettsville award a $50,000 grant for renovations to the concession stand and restrooms at Hallettsville City Park.
  • The Hallettsville Independent School District will update the facilities to provide a better environment and bolster youth sports programs
  • 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 Hallettsville Independent School District for renovations at City Park. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Keith Mudd, Lavaca County judge; Carson Schindler; HISD softball coach; Callie Kresta, HISD head softball coach; Jensen Schindler, HISD softball coach; Jo Ann Bludau, HISD superintendent; Rylan Schindler, HISD baseball coach; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Stephen F. Cooper, LCRA Board chair; Levi Montgomery, HISD athletic director; Mark Mayo, LCRA Board member; Elizabeth Ehlers, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; and Chad Gohkle, HISD head baseball coach.
HALLETTSVILLE, Texas – The Hallettsville Independent School District soon will renovate the concession stands and restrooms at City Park, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and City of Hallettsville.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $230,194 from school community partners, will provide resources for much-needed improvements at the playing fields, which are serving an increasing number of players and spectators. Under an interlocal agreement with the city, HISD is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the fields, which are used by both HISD students and the public.

The current facilities are outdated and undersized. Last year, portable restrooms were brought in during games and tournaments but could not meet the demand.

“We have partnered with many businesses, community members and other organizations to raise funds for these improvements, and we are so grateful that LCRA is providing the final piece of the puzzle,” said Jo Ann Bludau, Hallettsville ISD superintendent. “We would not have been able to build and renovate our restrooms, and concession stands without this grant.”

In recent years Hallettsville has been overlooked as a host for playoff games due to the lack of adequate facilities. The improvements will provide the opportunity to host future events, which also helps generate money for the local economy.

“The improved facilities will be ready for the 2027 baseball and softball season,” Bludau said. “We are really looking forward to having such a nice facility to offer our community for many, many years to come.”

Hallettsville ISD, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Hallettsville Little League and others use the fields and facilities throughout the year. From January to July, the fields host games at least twice a week, with each game welcoming at least 200 spectators, as well as local and visiting teams.

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. The City of Hallettsville is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the Community Grants program.

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.