City of Lavaca Awarded Grant for Shae Park

By Tammy Moore Teague
The City of Lavaca was recently notified that they will be receiving a matching grant in the amount of $125,000.00 to assist in the construction of accessible parking, walkways, bridge, pavilion, playground, installation of picnic tables and trash bins at Shae Park.  The grant is awarded by the Department of Parks and Tourism.
Shae Park, located in Village Park Subdivision on the west side of Lavaca, was built in the 1980’s on land donated to the city by the developer, Joe Chronister Construction. The park is well used by families living in the area as well as residents living in other parts of the town. Currently, the park features playground equipment, a walking trail and picnic facilities. However, the park lacks barrier free access, meaning some individuals can’t enjoy the park amenities.
Mayor Hugh Hardgrave began looking at ways to update the park and make it ADA compliant. In February of this year, the Lavaca City Council, at the request of the mayor, began the application process. A resolution was passed, an application was filed, a presentation was made and in November of this year, an award was announced. The City of Lavaca will receive the matching funds to renovate Shae Park and make it ADA compliant.
The upgrades will include the addition of a handicapped space, hard surface walkways to each feature of the park, a pavilion, picnic tables and trash bins, a new bridge and modern playground equipment.