Iowa West Foundation Awards Grant For All-Inclusive Playground At Hiley Park

The Glenwood Kiwanis Club’s effort to bring an all-inclusive, accessible playground to Hiley Park has received a major boost from the Iowa West Foundation.

In it’s latest round of grants, the foundation has awarded $40,000 to the project proposed for the city-owned park. Denison’s Washington Park was also awarded a grant ($55,000) for an all-inclusive playground. These renovations will allow children of all abilities to better enjoy their community parks, a foundation statement read.

Glenwood Kiwanis President Chad Lang said the grant will help the Kiwanis club complete a project that will address a need in the Glenwood community.

“The Iowa West grant for Hiley Park in Glenwood will have a transformative impact, particularly by addressing accessibility concerns, which ensures that all members of our community can fully enjoy the park’s amenities,” Lang said. “The grant not only enhances inclusivity, but also demonstrates a commitment to equitable access to recreational spaces, making it a vital investment for our community’s wellbeing and cohesion.”

The Iowa West Foundation funds its grants through partnerships with Council Bluff’s three casinos - Ameristar, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe. Fees from gaming and income from foundation investments provide funding for programs and projects that benefit the residents of 14 counties in southwest Iowa, including Mills and Fremont. The foundation has a two-step grant process, with Letters of Inquiry (LOI) accepted year-round. LOIs received by May 1 will be considered in the next cycle with final applications due by May 15. Additional information is on the foundation’s website.