The Scanderson Community Development Association (CDA) works with Terrell County and other organizations to promote and beautify Sanderson. Specific promotional projects produced by the CDA include publication of the "Sanderson Visitor & Relocation Guide," and billboards on Highway 90 at both ends of town.

Beautification projects include working with the community to help Commissioners plan how to best allocate the Venue Tax Funds approved by Voters in 2000 for revitalization of parks and the public area around the historic depot.

CDA Board Members have been instrumental in the revision of an earlier downtown revitalization plan presented by Texas Tech Architectural Students for creation of "Old Town Plaza." While the Tech Plan was inspiring, a more practical approach was provided by the Architectural Landscape Firm of Hall-Bargainer. Funding from the original Planning Grant was used to revise the student plan. CDA volunteers worked with the landscape architects and provided lodging and meals. The plans were presented in a Public Hearing which also considered community input on the Transportation Department Grant to remodel the old Sanderson Depot. Although the grant to restore the historic depot was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Terrell County Commissioners declined to sponsor the project citing potential unknown costs. The 1890's Depot remains on the "Most Endangered Public Sites" list of both State and Federal Historical groups.

Several groups have expressed an interest in private renovation of the Historic Depot and other historic sites along Downie Street. To date, the Depot (the second oldest building in Sanderson) remains property of Union Pacific Railroad, and those deteriorating, is in limited use. The railroad bunkhouse, Downie Bunkhouse, and Sanderson Ice House are in in private hands. If you want to join others in saving these historic buildings, the CDA will put you in touch with other interested parties.

Other activities of CDA Volunteers include highway banners promoting County events and a successful grant with Texas Parks & Wildlife which funded public swimming pool repairs, addition of a water playscape for younger children, an open-air pavilion for public and family events, and a Nature Trail from Javelina Hill to Hominy Hill and down to Bicentennial Park.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Anyone wanting to be part of the CDA work is encouraged to call a Board member and volunteer. The current Board of Directors includes Blain Chriesman, Hazel Gully, Doris Harrison, and Sally Rawlins. The CDA will also help connect you with other civic organizations needing volunteers.