December 10, 2025
At Bravo Greater Des Moines’ Regional Impact Breakfast on Monday, the region’s arts council presented the largest grant cycle in its organizational history. The fall 2026 award cycle will invest over $6.1 million through three grant programs. General operating support totaling $5.6 million will go to 83…
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December 9, 2025
The Des Moines City Council’s approval of a $7 million grant for the Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza pushes funding for the project over the finish line, leaders of the nonprofit behind the project said in comments ahead of Monday’s meeting. It also will help tie in the…
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October 28, 2025
Urbandale officials are celebrating two new additions at Walker Johnston Park today. State of play: The park now features a new public access point to North Walnut Creek and a light-up art…
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October 27, 2025
DES MOINES, Iowa – Over the summer, water quality concerns were brought to the attention of many as nitrate levels reached high levels. Last week, Polk County announced additional investments in water quality monitoring. While water quality monitoring is important, even more important are…
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October 21, 2025
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 21, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce that the Wild Prairie Showdown — Presented by United Contractors & Reilly Construction — has raised nearly $190,000 for conservation and recreation. The event was held on Oct. 16 at…
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October 17, 2025
Des Moines leaders often say many of Central Iowa’s successes as a region, from the Global Insurance Accelerator to ICON Water Trails, are the result of close collaboration across organizations and mutual interest in the long-term success and growth of the community. To read the full article, visit the…
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October 17, 2025
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 17, 2025) – ICON Water Trails announced last night at the Wild Prairie Showdown, its fundraising event in partnership with the Great Outdoors Foundation (GOF), that it has received a $1.3 million gift from the Conservation Acceleration Fund, a dynamic water quality investment tool…
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October 8, 2025
The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails have announced the recipients of their 2025 annual awards recognizing leadership in conservation and recreation. John Swanson, Polk County water resources supervisor, received the Creative Conservationist Award for his role in advancing water quality through Polk County’s “Batch and Build” program, which…
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October 6, 2025
DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 6, 2025) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce the selection of local leaders for their annual awards. These honors, the Creative Conservationist and the Waveshaper, celebrate those in the community making extraordinary efforts for conservation and recreation in…
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September 12, 2025
On a hot summer day in Iowa, it’s easy to find bicyclists buzzing along trails and paddlers floating down rivers and lakes. Many of these bicyclists, paddlers and anglers contribute to the local economy by visiting shops to buy gear before a ride, gassing up their car or relaxing at…
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