An LCRA representative presents a $39,208 grant to Trickham Cemetery Association for upgrades to the Trickham Community Center. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are: Cooper Hogg, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Sherrie Blake, association secretary; Gay Martin and Shannon McShan, community members; and Paul Martin, association president. Back row: Howard James, association board member; Jim Blake, community member; Michael Murray, association board member; and Pat McShan, association vice president.
The Trickham Cemetery Association soon will renovate the historic Trickham Community Center, thanks to a $39,208 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The LCRA Community Grant, along with $13,652 in matching funds from the cemetery association, will enable the association to renovate the historic building with modern amenities while preserving its character.
Upgrades will include replacing outdated single-pane windows, adding insulation, installing energy-efficient mini-split HVAC systems, upgrading restroom fixtures with water-conserving toilets and constructing an improved wheelchair ramp and sidewalk to enhance accessibility. The improvements will preserve the building’s historic character while modernizing it into a more energy-efficient, safe and comfortable meeting spot for members of the community.
“Receiving this grant allows us to preserve a historic entity while transforming it into a more functional, comfortable space for the entire community,” said Paul Martin, president of the Trickham Cemetery Association. “The Trickham Community Center is the only facility of its kind in our area capable of accommodating both public and private events. From church meals and quilting activities to providing a place for families to gather for reunions, holidays and during funerals, the building will continue to serve as a welcoming gathering place for generations to come.”
Martin said the building, which once served as the community’s schoolhouse, has been well maintained over the years but needs to be modernized to continue meeting the needs of the community. The renovations will preserve the building’s architecture and look.
“The upkeep, renovations and ongoing maintenance for the community center are entirely funded through donations from community members, and there is simply no way we would be able to complete renovations at this level without the support from this grant,” Martin said. “This investment will make a lasting difference in preserving and improving the community center.”
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 atwww.lcra.org/grants.
