(Oakland, IA)—The Golden Hills RC & D in Oakland reports the Loess Hills Missouri River Region’s (LHMRR) Parks to People plan, has officially designated its first round of priority projects for funding from the MidAmerican Energy Foundation’s $500,000 commitment to the Parks to People Plan.

The LHMRR Board is dedicating $338,000 towards seven priority projects: the Harrison County Conservation Board’s Willow Lake Nature Center; Friends of Lake Manawa’s Dream Playground; Mills County Trails Board’s Glenwood Trail Project; Mills County Conservation Board’s Pony Creek Expansion; West Nishnabotna River Accesses; and Overland Hiking Trail. Regional projects include the Lewis & Clark Today Route signage and Green Hill Ranch.

The Parks to People plan addresses the future of the tri-county region’s parks, trails, and cultural assets to enhance overall economic and community vitality. One of the primary goals is to offer a premier parks system. The selection and approval of the priority projects by the LHMRR Board will allow them to use the specified amounts as match when seeking additional funds for the projects. The projects represent over $9.5 million in planned recreational improvements to the tri-county region. To date, over $3.5 million of that has been secured or pledged towards their implementation.

The plan supports collaborative, regional projects to enhance economic development and tourism; public health and social vitality; natural resources (habitat, water) health, parks, and trails; and overall regional vibrancy. The initiative intends to attract and retain young people interested in an active lifestyle, which will stimulate Iowa’s economy and promote business growth.

For more information about the Loess Hills Missouri River Region Parks to People Plan or to submit project ideas for funding consideration, visit goldenhillsrcd.org/lhmrr or facebook.com/loesshillsmissouririverregion.