The Vision Iowa Board Wednesday awarded just under $1.9 million in grants to three projects around the state. Board spokesperson Jessica O’Riley says the largest grant of $1.6 million will help with construction of the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area along the Iowa River in Iowa City.
“It’s a transformation of a 207 acre former sand and gravel operation into a recreation area,” O’Riley said. “It includes trail construction, parking, a LEED certified lodge and there will be a beach and marina as well.” Terry Trueblood was Iowa City’s Parks and Recreation director for 23 years. He died in 2009 from pancreatic cancer.
The project in Iowa City carries a price tag of $8.2 million. The Vision Iowa Board also awarded $218,000 to a $1.1 million project in Toledo. O’Riley says the grant will help finance the renovation of the historic Wieting Theater and Opera House.
The building first opened in 1912.
Another $83,000 grant will help fund a nearly 1,800 square-foot addition to a library in Parkersburg. O’Riley says the building was spared from damage when an F-5 tornado destroyed much of Parkersburg in May 2008. “It was not damaged, but it sort of served as the hub for the community as they were dealing with the aftermath of the tornado,” O’Riley said.
“It’s where people went for information and just sort of connected with each other. So in that way, it was part of the tornado, but it was not damaged.” The Kothe Memorial Library expansion and renovation project in Parkersburg carries a total cost of nearly $383,000.