North Liberty is one step closer to its goal of transforming Centennial Park into a magnetic gathering place, thanks to a $50,000 donation pledge from Hills Bank.
Building North Liberty’s Next Stage campaign launched in April, with a goal of raising $1 million in community support to make Centennial Park a central gathering place for the community.
“North Liberty recognizes the role creative placemaking plays in economic development and quality of life,” said City Administrator Ryan Heiar. “We’re grateful for Hills Bank’s enthusiasm of our vision for Centennial Park and the value they place on designing communities where people want to live, work and play.”
The Centennial Center is the first of four phases of the Next Stage campaign and will be an indoor event space with a connected outdoor stage. The center will be open to public and private events alike, such as craft fairs, author visits, weddings and business functions. The outdoor stage will showcase seasonal programs both ticketed and free, and groundbreaking will be July 2024 with a completion date of summer 2025.
Phases two through four of the Centennial Park plan will include a splash pad, open-air pavilion, expansive plaza spaces, wheelchair-accessible playground features, expanded parking and trails, restrooms and an honor garden. The park’s development will be funded through a variety of public and private resources, including community giving.
So far, local businesses and community members have raised $239,000 for the campaign. More information can be found on North Liberty’s website.
