News : Celebration Park Fund Drive Gets Started!

Pictured (L-R) Jeff Peterson, VPRD Board Chairman, Jody (Anderson) Berces, John Anderson, Craig Anderson and Duane Randall, Director of Parks & Recreation. The fund drive for the new beautiful Celebration Park was recently kicked off and this gift from John Anderson will help greatly to reach the goal of $250,000.

In the last 25 years or so Vinton has developed into one of the really nice towns of Iowa. New schools, hospital, theatre, parks & recreational facilities have made it a great place to live, work and play.

Perhaps the one thing that really sets Vinton apart is the turn of the century look of the downtown. With our beautiful courthouse, old fashion street lighting and the well-kept brick buildings, a very nice impression is given.

Now we have a chance to do something very special to enhance that first impression even more: to build a turn of the century gazebo at the new Celebration Park. This will be a large and beautiful structure, built right at the north entrance to our city; the first thing you see as you cross the river bridge on First Avenue. Lighted year-round, the design could become the signature piece for our community. It will be functional as well as attractive; a place to host weddings, receptions and community entertainment, or just a great place to relax on the banks of the Cedar.

In 2007, there was an extensive survey called Vinnovation Study. The number one recommendation was to develop recreational areas along the river. Celebration Park when complete will have trails, art a pavilion with restrooms a limestone river wall and, of course, the new gazebo.

The estimated cost of the project is $250,000. Substantial lead gifts and funding have already been secured but more is needed and we are asking the community for help.

Our goal is to complete the fundraising by the end of January and let the project for bids by the end of March. Construction would begin in April with completion by the end of June.

If you would like more information about this project, check it out at vprdzone.com or stop by the Vinton Parks & Recreation office located at the Vinton Recreation Center. If you would like someone to speak with you about Celebration Park or would like to make a gift for this community project contact Duane Randall, Director of Parks & Recreation at 472-4164 or vprdrandall@vintoniowa.net.