LCRA awards $50,000 grant for lighting upgrades at Community Park

 

Columbus Little League Baseball will install new lighting to improve player safety, increase use of community ballfields

June 16, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA awards Columbus Little League Baseball a $50,000 grant to replace outdated lighting with new LED lights on four ballfields at Community Park.
  • The project will improve player safety, expand field access and support tournaments that bring visitors and economic activity to Columbus.
  • 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 Columbus Little League Baseball for lighting upgrades at Community Park. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Alan Chester, vice president of softball; Matthew L. “Matt” Arthur, LCRA Board member; Monica Heffley, grant writer; Jake Wolters, vice president of baseball; Mark Mayo, LCRA Board member; Stephen F. Cooper, LCRA Board chair; Kirk Lowe, safety officer; Holly Pflughaupt, Little League president; Travis Busselman, Little League secretary; Miles Pflughaupt, league ballplayer; Dr. Mike Ridlen, player agent and local veterinarian; and Kate Ramzinski, LCRA Regional Affairs representative.

COLUMBUS, Texas – Columbus Little League Baseball soon will replace lighting on four ballfields at Community Park to improve safety and increase recreational opportunities for local youth and families, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $162,600 in matching funds from the organization, will pay for upgraded, energy-efficient LED lighting to improve visibility and safety for players, umpires and spectators while expanding practice opportunities and increasing the community’s ability to host tournaments and evening events.

“As a volunteer-driven organization, projects of this scale would not be possible without community partners like LCRA,” said Holly Pflughaupt, president of Columbus Little League Baseball. “This grant will allow us to create a safer, more welcoming environment for the hundreds of players, families and visitors who enjoy our facilities each season.”

The fields are open 24 hours a day to the public unless games, practices and tournaments are scheduled.

“As participation in our league continues to grow, these improvements will help us better meet the needs of local youth while expanding opportunities for practices, games and tournaments,” Pflughaupt said. “We are grateful for LCRA’s support and their investment in a project that will strengthen our program and benefit the entire Columbus 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
After hours: 512-944-6719
[email protected]

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.