Washington

Riverside got a huge victory last Wednesday night!

During the most recent Washington County Riverboat Foundation meeting last Wednesday night in Washington, the foundation awarded more than $2.3 million in grants. 

One of the largest grants of the night went to the city of Riverside for the long-awaited Wellness Center.

The city was awarded a $2 million grant after years of trying to secure funding for the project. 

Last fall, Riverside applied for a $4 million grant, but the request was denied. However, in April, the city submitted another application, this time requesting $3.5 million.

A month later, the city learned it would receive a $2 million grant, enough funding to officially move the project forward and begin construction on the Wellness Center. The announcement marked a major milestone for the city and for residents who have supported the project for years.

Riverside council member Ryan Rogerson was very thankful for the grant from the WCRF.

"I would like to show my appreciation for WCRF," said Ryan Rogerson, Riverside City Council member. "What a community-changing grant."

Wellness Center

When it was announced that they had enough to start building on the Wellness Center, Rogerson was ecstatic and released a press release congratulating the city of Riverside.

 “After more than 40 years of planning and community support, Riverside officials announced the Wellness and Community Center now has enough funding to move forward with bidding and begin construction. While the project can now break ground, officials said additional donations will help expand amenities and complete the full vision for the facility.”

Riverside has been planning for the Wellness Center for many years now. It all started around 2018, when they first came up with the idea. City officials and community members have continued fundraising and planning efforts ever since, hoping to eventually make the project a reality.

Other towns in the area have a gym such as YMCA or Wellness Center. Kalona, Wellman and Washington all have YMCA`s and Lone Tree has a Wellness Center that was recently built as well. Riverside officials believe the project will provide additional recreational and wellness opportunities for residents of all ages.

The Wellness Center is expected to take around 1 to 2 years to complete. It will be located near the elementary school and is expected to start building in late 2026 or early 2027.

Additional grant recipients

There were a total of 15 grants that were awarded.

The other organizations that received grants were the Washington Economic Development Group, which received $3,500 for rebranding, Bike Library with $4,000 for the Space for Gathering & Growing project, the Columbus Community School District with $5,000 for girls’ uniforms and basketballs, the Iowa PGA Foundation with $5,000 for junior golf, the Keota Volunteer Fire Department with $5,370 for new fire helmets, and the City of Ainsworth with $7,140 for ball field improvements. Creative Sprouts Champions, Inc. also received $7,696 for Character Counts childcare training, while Parkview Home was awarded $21,745 for an electrical generator.

The Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere (GIVE) Foundation, the Iowa 4-H Foundation in Louisa County for fair barn animal pens, and the Washington Community Theater for remodeling and repairs each received $25,000.

Larger grants included $55,370 to the Carnegie Museum Foundation of Jefferson County for the Bonnifield Log House restoration project, $58,255 to the Wellman Volunteer Fire Department for turnout gear upgrades, and $101,473 to Mid-Prairie for library improvements.

Future meeting

The WCRF will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, August 19th with a location to be determined later.