August 9, 2024
Plans to turn the Des Moines north side’s Birdland Park and Marina into a resort-like recreation area just got a $5.3 million boost. The city announced that the project — which includes a new boathouse, kayak rentals, playgrounds, an all-season skating ribbon, splash pad and a river overlook…
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June 28, 2024
DES MOINES, IA (June 28, 2024) – ICON Water Trails, in partnership with Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Polk County Board of Supervisors, and Polk County Conservation, is pleased to announce that “Hello, River,” an interactive art installation connecting culture and conservation, has been installed next to the Lauridsen Skate…
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April 30, 2024
A shimmery sculptural landmark set to debut in downtown Des Moines in mid-June is designed to catch eyes and capture hearts. The creative duo behind “Hello, River” hopes its head-turning public art piece will serve as the catalyst for a conservation-oriented meet-cute. To read the full article, visit dsm…
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April 9, 2024
DES MOINES, IA (April 9, 2024) – ICON Water Trails, in partnership with Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Polk County Board of Supervisors, is pleased to announce that “Hello, River,” an interactive art installation connecting culture and conservation, has been selected to fulfill a $125,000 National Endowment for the…
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February 29, 2024
With just 15 regional sites open, the Iowa Confluence Water Trails system already has generated 250,000 visits and nearly $20 million in economic benefit over the course of a single recreational season, says a study the group planning and raising money for the trails released Wednesday. To read the full…
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February 8, 2024
West Des Moines receives MidAmerican grant to establish ICON site at Raccoon River The MidAmerican Energy Regional Fund, a $5 million investment in ICON Water Trails, awarded its $125,000 fall grant to the city of West Des Moines to establish access to the Raccoon River, directly south of Valley…
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February 7, 2024
When ICON Water Trails was conceived as an idea, those behind the initiative hoped it would one day enhance outdoor recreation in Central Iowa and serve as a placemaking attraction that would help draw people to the region. With 15 regional sites along 150 miles of rivers and creeks in…
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February 7, 2024
DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 7, 2024) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce that it has completed a robust regional economic impact study in partnership with data analysts Radbridge and Pros Consulting. This extensive survey culled more than 2.6 billion mobile location pings used to project aggregate behavior over…
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February 6, 2024
Over the past fifteen years old and abandoned rail lines have been repurposed to become bicycle trails for the thousands of people who enjoy riding, sometimes, miles each week. That has resulted in some major economic development as restaurants, bars, ice cream joints and retailers open shops along those trails.
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February 1, 2024
DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 1, 2024) – The Great Outdoors Foundation is pleased to announce that the MidAmerican Energy Regional Fund, a $5 million investment in ICON Water Trails, has awarded its $125,000 fall grant to the City of West Des Moines. The funding will be used to establish…
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