The city of North Liberty is reaching the end of its year-long campaign to raise $3.5 million for the Centennial Center and stage, a 13,000 square foot facility that will host public and private events at Centennial Park, 1565 St Andrews Dr. in North Liberty.
According to the city’s Feb. 26 newsletter, the project needed $1,998.94 by March 7, the city’s due date to have raised the stipulated $100,000 in order to access the $900,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant that was awarded in December by the Enhance Iowa Board.
“We closed the gap and have raised more than $2,265,000 towards our goal of $3.5 million,” said Nick Bergus, community relations director for the city of North Liberty, in an email to the CBJ on March 26.
The $900,000 grant is one of the largest cash contributions to date for North Liberty’s Next Stage Campaign, a four-phase, $16 million project that aims to construct an event center and stage, splash pad and wheelchair-friendly playground, a year-round pavilion and honor garden.
According to its website, North Liberty envisions Centennial Park as an eventual destination for RAGBRAI overnights, concerts, private and public events, business gatherings and focused conferences in the Centennial Center, outdoor movies on the great lawn and a farmers’ market and ice-skating rink under the pavilion.
“Think Iowa City conservatively estimates this project will inject more than $11.5 million of economic activity into our community each year,” North Liberty’s website stated.
The Centennial Center and stage is the first phase of the project, with an expected finish date of summer 2025. To learn more, visit https://northlibertyiowa.org/departments/parks/next-stage-centennial-park-north-liberty-iowa/.
