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Vision Iowa Board awards project in Stanton $514,000

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April 12th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

The Vision Iowa Board has awarded grants to build new attractions in three Iowa cities. Vision Iowa spokesperson Jessica O’Riley says the largest award granted Wednesday is worth one-million dollars ($1 million) and will help with several expansion projects at Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo. Those include a filtration system for the seal and sea lion pool, a new camel exhibit near the zoo’s entrance and more space for new animals in an Africa exhibit. All of the improvements at Blank Park Zoo carry a total price tag of over $9.3 million. The southwest Iowa town of Stanton will receive just under $514,000 in Vision Iowa funding toward the construction of a building that will serve as a public library, a community center, a wellness center and a storm shelter.

“This is a fabulous project,” O’Riley said. “The residents of Stanton have really supported this. For a town of about 700, I believe they have raised 800-thousand dollars. So, there’s obviously broad community support.” The third Vision Iowa award is for a wellness facility in Indianola. The board granted just over $483,000 toward the $15 million project.

The 55,000 square foot facility will include a gymnasium, a swimming pool and racquetball court. Wednesday’s meeting of the Vision Iowa Board took place in Mason City (at the Park Inn Hotel).

(Pat Curtis/Radio Iowa)