ICON Water Trails Issues Statement on the Death of Jay Byers

April 18, 2025

DES MOINES, IA (April 18, 2025) – ICON Water Trails Executive Director, Stephanie Oppel provided the following statement today regarding the death of Jay Byers, founding Central Iowa Water Trails board member: “ICON Water Trails is incredibly saddened by the loss of Jay Byers. We, like so many in our…

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New Report: This Is the Most Livable City in the U.S.

January 29, 2025

Des Moines earned first place for Location and Community, and some features contributing to its win are its abundance of healthy food sources, a cost of living that’s 12% below the national average, a lively festival scene and a focus on sustainability. “Another…

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RELEASE: Wild Prairie Showdown Achieves Record Fundraising

October 15, 2024

DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 15, 2024) – The Great Outdoors Foundation and ICON Water Trails are pleased to announce that the Wild Prairie Showdown — Presented by Hubbell Realty Company — has raised more than $160,000 for conservation and recreation. The event, held Oct. 10 at the Community Choice Convention…

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ICON marks $100M in funds raised for water trails projects

October 11, 2024

ICON Water Trails celebrated a big fundraising milestone Thursday evening, announcing it has surpassed the $100 million mark of capital raised for the $125 million project that will connect 86 sites along 150 miles of waterways in Central Iowa. It also was announced at ICON’s joint event with the Great…

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RELEASE: ICON Water Trails Unveils Rendering of Second Whitewater Site

October 11, 2024

DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 11, 2024) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce that with a $780,000 investment from Hubbell Realty Company, it has now secured $100.3 million in funding for its transformative water recreation network. This is Hubbell’s second investment in the initiative, securing naming rights for ICON’s…

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RELEASE: Prairie Meadows Awards $250,000 Legacy Grant to ICON Water Trails

October 2, 2024

DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 2, 2024) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $250,000 Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant. The funding will support ICON’s Prospect Park access point, which aims to revitalize the existing recreational area and expand opportunities for local families.  The site…

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