(Okoboji)– Fundraising for a new nature playscape area at the Dickinson County Nature Center is nearly complete. Community Relations Coordinator Amy Heibult says the recently awarded $387,000 Community Attraction and Tourism, or CAT Grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority, brings the amount left to raise to $216,000…
“So we’ve raised $1.7 million out of the $1.9 million to raise for the total project, and we just want to give a huge shout out to the community and all of the support we’ve received so far for this project. We’re almost there.”
Heibult says a groundbreaking could be held this fall with construction in the spring of next year if things go accordingly…
“Currently there’s some things that are kind of getting set up. We have the 100 percent construction plans in hand, so it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when at this point.”
She adds they are very grateful to Iowa Economic Development Authority for the grant award, as well as the general public for supporting the project…
“I think there’s this huge calling that everyone kind of feels being pulled back to nature and back to the way things used to be and kind of getting away from the busyness of screens. We need those things but I think there’s kind of this pullback to nature and such a curiosity at young ages. This is going to be a place for multigenerational families to enjoy at no cost and it was, we keep saying it’s a project from the community, by the community, and it’s for everyone to enjoy.”
Tax deductible contributions can be made online through the Dickinson County Conservation Board’s website; in-person at the Dickinson County Nature Center, or by sending a check to the Conservation Foundation of Dickinson County at 22785 Nature Center Road, Okoboji…51355. Be sure to note the donation is for the Nature Playscape project.
