April 28, 2025
Local NewsState & National

City receives $100,000 grant for pool work

Lexi Henry, 11, of Creston plugs her nose as she enters the water after jumping off the diving board in August 2016 at the Creston City Pool. The McKinley Park Aquatic Center fundraising effort received a $100,000 matching grant.

Creston is one of 13 Iowa towns receiving funds from The Wellmark Foundation in Matching Assets to Community Health (MATCH) grants, contingent upon securing the required dollar-for-dollar match. To ensure community support for these projects, organizations have until Aug. 25 to secure their matching funds.

Creston’s funds are intended for the McKinley Park Aquatic Center renovation and expansion of the existing pool. The renovation and expansion will offer new features including zero-depth entry, a walking channel, slides designed for all ages, a climbing wall and inclusive play area. The design is focused on ease of access for users of all ages and abilities, thus providing more opportunity for activity for the entire community.

The project has been divided into two phases. Phase I will include the inclusive play area, toddler slide, improvements to the pool bowl to make it zero-depth entry, as well as improvements to the existing mechanical system, including a water heater to make the pool more usable in the range of Iowa temperatures in spring, summer and fall.

Each of these grantees are planning projects that can help individuals, families and communities achieve better health through built environment initiatives that encourage physical activity and providing access to healthy foods.

“The Wellmark Foundation is excited to see the planning, focus and community engagement in each of the selected applications,” said Mary Lawyer, executive director for The Wellmark Foundation. “Each project has the potential to make a positive, long-term impact on the overall health and well-being of community which will enhance the quality of life for generations to come.”

Since 1991, The Wellmark Foundation has provided more than $36.6 million in grant funding to communities across Iowa and South Dakota “While a tremendous amount of work has been accomplished over the past 30 years, The Wellmark Foundation recognizes sustainable changes take time and we are pleased to continue to offer these grant opportunities,” said Lawyer.