(Des Moines, IA) -- Plans are moving forward on an $18 million recreation center in north Des Moines, to be located at the current site of the Grub YMCA at 1611 11th Street.
"This project is near and dear to all of our hearts,” Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director Ben Page said. “This is a neighborhood that deserves a new facility and the investment from these donors shows that our community is stepping up and helping turn it into a reality. This is a major moment in the process that is all in thanks to the incredible generosity and support of these donors."
“This entire project has been a collaboration between the neighborhood and the City,” Page said. “The project design has been driven by the input we’ve recieved at our public meetings, and the community has certainly shaped what this project will look like, the amenities it will bring to this area, and how residents will enjoy it for generations to come.”
The City has committed $12 million over four years to the project. The center is expected to open in 2026.
The first round of donations totals $3,570,000 to the project which includes six donations and four sets of naming agreements.
- $1,200,000 – The Reichardt Family
- The building’s exterior façade shall be designated the “Reichardt Community Recreation Center”
- $1,000,000 – Patty and Jim Cownie
- The basketball court and gymnasium shall be designated the “Patty and Jim Cownie Family Courts and Gymnasium”
- $500,000 – Catalyst Circle Grant
- $250,000 – Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
- The largest community room area shall be designated as the “Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Community Room”
- $500,000 – The Ruan Foundation
- The elevated walking track shall be designated as “The Ruan Foundation Track”
- $100,000 – W.T. and Edna M Dahl Trust
- $20,000 – Lohse Family Foundation