LCRA News Release - New LED lighting, scoreboard and more will help upgrade youth sports site
A $47,665 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority will help the Richland Springs Youth Baseball Association update its playing field with new energy-efficient lighting and other overdue upgrades.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $11,715 in matching funds from the baseball association, will enable the group to replace a scoreboard that hasn’t functioned for decades, upgrade the backstop and dugouts, improve the facility’s concession stand and restrooms, and add a small, enclosed playground for toddlers. The new LED lighting will replace an old, unsafe system.
Nick Taylor, youth baseball president, said the changes will accelerate the league’s recent growth. After not fielding a team from 2012 to 2019, the league had three youth teams competing this past season.
The upgraded field tentatively is set to be the home field of the newly formed softball program at Richland Springs High School, which will begin play in 2024. As part of the planned partnership, the Richland Springs Independent School District will help pay for reseeding the outfield and help with irrigation costs, Taylor said.
“We’re doing this to give the youth a home field they can be proud of,” he said. “Their chests will puff out a little bit when they play here. We’re so glad to have LCRA on board to help us out with this project. This field will be a busy place for us next spring.”
LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said youth sports bring communities together in addition to teaching young players the importance of being part of a team.
“You learn so much more than just the rules of the game when you play youth sports,” Wilson said. “You learn about the rules of life – you learn you don’t hit a home run every time, but there will be another time at bat soon and you need to be ready to try again. You also learn about discipline and good sportsmanship.”
Wilson said the renovations at the Richland Springs ballfield will provide a better environment for players and spectators, as well as welcome out-of-town visitors who may also patronize local businesses.
“This is a project that will benefit the area for years to come, and we’re delighted LCRA can participate in making it happen,” Wilson said.
Taylor said the league is committed to ensuring that every child who wants to play on a team can play.
“If that means a child needs sponsorship, we sponsor them,” he said.
Taylor himself played in the Richland Springs league as a child, and now has two sons on teams.
“I think baseball is going to set these kids up for a lot of success in life,” he said.
The community grant is one of 45 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.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
Pictured, from left to right, are: Sarah Taylor, association supporter; James Womack, Richland Springs Independent School District superintendent; Donna Taylor, association supporter; Steve Dyer, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Bo Taylor, baseball player; Michael L. "Mike" Allen, LCRA Board member; Frank Pearce, Richland Springs mayor; Margaret D. "Meg" Voelter, LCRA Board member; Misty Taylor, youth baseball coach; Nick Taylor, youth baseball president; Cody Taylor, baseball player; State Rep. David Spiller; Jessica Scales, Richland Springs City Council member; and Mike Poe, San Saba County commissioner, Precinct 2.
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 www.lcra.org.