LCRA awards $50,000 grant for inclusive playground at Eastland City Park
New all-abilities play equipment creates a welcoming space for families
Nov. 20, 2025
LCRA representatives present a $50,000 grant to the Eastland Lions Club for new all-abilities play equipment. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Larry Vernon, Eastland mayor; Ava Taber, Lions Club member; Jett Whittington, Lions Club secretary, David Hullum, Eastland County judge; Carol Freeman, LCRA Board member; Nakita McBride, Lions Club treasurer; Annalee McBride, Lions Club sweetheart; Dean Vernon, Bobby Blackwell and Meagan Mathis, Lions Club members; Bill Moore, Lions Club president; and Cooper Hogg, LCRA Regional Affairs representative.
EASTLAND, Texas – The Eastland Lions Club has purchased and installed new all-abilities play equipment at Eastland City Park, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The community grant, along with $129,990 in matching funds raised by the Lions Club, helped create an inclusive play area where children of all abilities can play side by side. The new playground complements other recent park improvements, including updates to older play equipment and improvements to paths so caregivers and children using mobility devices can move through the space together.
“Our goal is to make sure every child in Eastland and the surrounding area has a safe and welcoming place to play,” said Bill Moore, president of the Eastland Lions Club. “The Eastland community and LCRA pulled together to make this happen. The grant got us across the finish line, and local businesses, churches and individuals donated money, materials and many volunteer hours, and our vendors and contractors gave generous rates for their services. It’s a true community project that gives every child in Eastland a place to play.”
Supporters say the new community playground is already making difference.
“We are already seeing what this means to the community,” said Nakita McBride, treasurer of the Eastland Lions Club. “The other day a little boy spotted the new equipment and just took off, screaming with joy as he ran toward it. The bright, colorful design stands out like a beacon, and the accessible layout keeps kids together instead of leaving anyone behind. It’s exactly the kind of playground Eastland needs.”
The city-owned park will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
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 January. 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.
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