Linn County Conservation’s Pinicon Ridge County Park awarded $400,000 in Iowa Great Places funding
LINN COUNTY, IA –December 20, 2017- Linn County Conservation is pleased to announce that is has been awarded $400,000 in Iowa Great Places grant funds for Pinicon Ridge County Park near Central City from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and Iowa Great Places Citizens Advisory Board. Pinicon Ridge Park is part of the Cedar-Wapsi Recreational Byway that received an Iowa Great Place designation in 2014.
This Pinicon Ridge project redevelops the site of a former park shop facility and service yard into a scenic overlook for public use. The shop activities were relocated in 2016 with the buildings removed from the area, making available a high profile location for park development. The grant funds will support a $1.2 million open aired shelter (9,400-square-foot) with a deck and patio area (2,300-square-foot) designed to seat up to 300 people for large group functions. The building will include serving counters, tables, and restrooms. In addition, a parking area, drop off zone, and shelter access drive will be created. This shelter and deck location will offer a breathtaking view of the Wapsipinicon River.
Future development activities proposed for the site over time include an accessible and inclusive playground with a nearby outdoor restroom, a recreation trail that connects to Central City, natural appreciation structures, and road realignment. The entire project estimate is $4.27 million.
The Iowa Great Places Program seeks to recognize places that take action to enhance their local assets while staying true to the qualities that make them unique. This designation enables Linn County Conservation to become eligible for Iowa Great Places funding opportunities, additional resources and technical assistance from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and program staff. The Cedar-Wapsi Recreational Byway extends along the Highway 13 corridor, which includes Pinicon Ridge County Park, Prospect Meadows baseball/softball complex and the Indian Creek Nature Center. By providing parks and recreational areas as well as protecting significant natural areas such as rivers, waterways, uplands and native habitats, the Cedar-Wapsi Recreational Byway provides many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Linn County Conservation is one of only five Iowa Great Places to be recently awarded grant funds totaling $1.3 million. More information on the Iowa Great Places Program is available by visiting www.Iowaculture.gov