Kiwanis Nearing Fundraising Goal For Hiley Park

The Glenwood Kiwanis Club is nearing its goal of raising $187,000 to make Hiley Park handicap accessible.

Recent donations of $17,500 from Glenwood State Bank and $2,500 from First Interstate Bank leaves the club just $17,500 short of its goal, according to spokesperson Michelle Wright.

Kiwanis has been working to secure funding for the project for nearly three years. Located on the north end of Hillcrest Ave. in a residential area on the northwest side of the city, Hiley Park turned 40 years old in 2024.

The park is named after the late Dan Hiley, the first Glenwood Kiwanis Club president. The club has maintained and made improvements to the park over the past four decades and hosts a free “Fun Fest” at the facility every September for neighborhood residents.

The proposed improvements to the park include replacing the retaining wall behind the park’s playground, making the actual playground surface handicap-accessible with a pour in place surface, making the parking lot concrete and connecting current sidewalks at the park with the parking lot and other sidewalks.

“The city of Glenwood and Kiwanis Club of Glenwood are committed to accessibility for all community members,” a written statement from the club stated. “Making Hiley Park handicap accessible will ensure the Glenwood community provides an inclusive environment for all members of the community regardless of age or ability.

Glenwood’s population includes residential housing for individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities.  This project ensures that in addition to housing and workplace opportunities Glenwood is also able to provide recreational opportunities for all members of the community.”

Three different contractors that will be involved in the project, with each handling a specific phase. Pre-construction activities will include an archaeological study.  A contractor will then manage the replacement of the retaining wall and the addition of the necessary soil filtration strips and rain garden to improve drainage and limit soil erosion.

The retaining wall currently exists along the side of the play area and is required to maintain the play area, which will be improved to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.  This will include removing the rotting wooden retaining wall and replacing it.  Prior to the wall being replaced a soil filter strip will be installed behind the wall allowing the water coming down the hill to go to the rain garden located near the parking area. 

The rain garden will include tilling the soil 6 to 9 inches down and then adding native plants and shrubs. May Night Salvia, Cheyenne Spirit, Coneflower, Little Goldstar Black Eyed Susan, as well as native grasses and shrubs will be used in the rain garden to ensure that the water moves down the hill without eroding the soil in the area.  The retaining wall will be replaced with large stones.  The retaining wall stones will be sourced from a quarry in western Iowa to ensure native stones are used.  The stones will be large having an additional purpose of providing a seating area for those accompanying children to the play area.  This allows for seating in the play area without additional concrete bases and metal benches often used in parks.

The second phase of the project will be managed by a second contractor.  Recreation Specialist, INC has been providing technical assistance and cost estimates on the pour in place portion of the project.  This would include adding drainage below the existing playground, pouring a concrete base and then adding pour-in-place cushioned surfacing. The pea gravel that currently covers the playground will be removed and a pour in place surface that is both handicap accessible and provides protection for children against injuries from falls.  All of these changes support the city’s desire for a more walkable city as well as providing handicap accessibility.

The final portion of the project is running the concrete parking lot and connecting sidewalks.  Currently the parking area at Hiley Park is a gravel lot at the end of a paved street making it impossible for those with mobility issues to reach the park.  Any areas that are disturbed during construction will then be reseeded with grass, allowing children to play in the area and reducing erosion.

“By investing in Hiley Park, we are laying the foundation for future growth and prosperity,” the club states. “Accessible parks not only improve the well-being of current residents but also serve as a critical amenity for attracting and retaining a talented workforce. In today’s competitive economic landscape, businesses and families are increasingly seeking communities that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and quality of life. By upgrading Hiley Park, we are positioning Glenwood as a forward-thinking, inclusive community that is poised for long-term economic success.”

To date, major donations and grants for the project have come from the following sources: $5,000 from Kiwanis Club Of Glenwood, $40,000 from Iowa West Foundation, $93,500 from Iowa Department Of Natural Resources, $2,500 from First Interstate Bank, $17,500 from Glenwood State Bank and $1,500 from community sponsorships.