The Community Foundation of Johnson County has awarded a $1,246,300 grant to the City of North Liberty from the Centennial Park Next Stage Fund, the largest single grant in the foundation’s history.
More than 300 individual donors, businesses and foundations have contributed to the designated fund since March 2023 to support development of Centennial Park. The grant marks a milestone in what the foundation says is its largest year of grantmaking to date.
The city acquired the 40-acre soybean field that became Centennial Park in 2010. After several master plan revisions and a capital campaign, the park is now in the second of four planned development phases.
Phase one, completed in October 2025, added the Hy-Vee Center & Amphitheater, an indoor event hall with an outdoor stage, along with plaza space and permanent restrooms. Phase two, an 8,000-square-foot splash pad with adjacent seating, additional restrooms and shade structures, is under construction and expected to open by summer 2027. Phases three and four, targeted for completion by 2030, will add an open-air pavilion, expanded parking and an honor garden.
“This investment reflects what is possible when philanthropy, community vision, and partnership come together. Centennial Park is more than a construction project — it is a place where people will gather, celebrate, connect, and create memories for decades to come. We are honored to support a project that will have a lasting impact on the quality of life in North Liberty and throughout Johnson County,” said Shelly Maharry, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Johnson County.
Ryan Heiar, North Liberty’s city administrator, said the designated fund at the foundation was key to the capital campaign’s success.
“Establishing a designated fund with the CFJC was an essential step in the success of our capital campaign,” Mr. Heiar said. “Not only was the Foundation a trusted steward for donors to make their contributions to, but the CFJC staff provided a wealth of knowledge and resources that helped the city leverage and secure other grants for the project.”
An initial $50,000 investment from the foundation helped the city secure a $500,000 grant from the Washington Riverboat Foundation, which is included in the $1.2 million grant announced this week. A separate $900,000 grant from the Enhance Iowa Board, not included in that total, was awarded to the city based in part on the broad community support reflected in the fund’s roster of more than 300 donors.
The Hy-Vee Center has hosted private and public events since last fall, and the amphitheater held its debut last month. Its inaugural season includes 10 free and ticketed events this summer, concluding with a Gin Blossoms concert on September 13.
The foundation is continuing to accept gifts for the project. More information is available at northlibertyiowa.org/nextstage.
