Ahrens Park Foundation donates land for new school

GRINNELL — The Ahrens Park Foundation is pleased to announce a significant and generous gift of land in Grinnell intended for the construction of a new combined elementary school.

As well, this gift will afford the relocation of the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District’s offices and greater future integration of the district’s work with preschool age students through the Ahrens Family Center.

The proposed site for the new combined elementary school is strategically located to serve the needs of the Grinnell school district and community. This initiative aligns with a shared vision of fostering an enriching educational experience for future generations.

Chad Nath, president and chief executive officer of Ahrens Park Foundation says, “The Ahrens Park Foundation was founded 30 years ago with the mission of serving the Grinnell community. Today, we are focused on enhancing this community through this donation.

“This gift is not intended for personal gain but to foster collective support by investing in the most valuable aspects in our lives and our future: our children. The phrase ‘leave it better than you found it’ goes beyond being a mere slogan; it serves as a call to action, inspiring us to work together to enhance the places we call home for the benefit of all.”

Julie Gosselink, representative of both foundations and the Ahrens family, said, “For the past 30 years the Ahrens Park Foundation, along with the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and the Ahrens family, has shared a history in supporting the Grinnell-Newburg school district.

“From a $1 million gift to the high school expansion project in 2005, to $125,000 in seed money to fund teacher mini grants, to a $50,000 gift to the TT Cranny turf campaign, and over $800,000 in scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors, this potential gift of land and facilities would be the most generous support to date.”

The fruition of this project is contingent on the successful passage of a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy vote, as well as the finalization of a formal agreement between the two organizations.

We encourage the community to participate in the PPEL vote, as it is a pivotal element in bringing this transformative project for our students and community to life.

Interim Superintendent, Lisa Beames said, “This gift represents a major step forward in enhancing the district’s educational facilities and learning opportunities for our children. It underscores the Foundation’s ongoing and unwavering commitment to ensuring a vibrant future for our community.”

For further information and updates, contact Lisa Beames at lisa.beames@grinnell-k12.org or 641-236-2700.