RELEASE: Great Outdoors Foundation Announces $300,000 Meta Grant
DES MOINES, IA (Nov. 4, 2021) – The Great Outdoors Foundation is pleased to announce a $300,000 grant from Meta, formerly the Facebook company, allocated to ICON Water Trails. The investment will be made available to the cities of Altoona and Bondurant to execute their access points and amenities identified in the ICON Water Trails feasibility study.
ICON’s plans envision 80+ improvements across 150 miles of waterways. This regional initiative includes nearly a dozen jurisdictional partners working alongside representatives from throughout the private sector. After several years as a startup incubator, ICON is now an independent 501(c)(3) operating with a board of directors that reflects its public-private funding structure.
“Meta is proud to partner with ICON Water Trails and help provide Altoona and Bondurant with community connection points to enjoy Iowa’s natural resources,” said Matt Sexton, Community Development Regional Manager for Meta. “Since breaking ground in Altoona in 2013, we’ve continued to find opportunities to invest in our vibrant community. This public-private partnership will be enjoyed for years to come and is emblematic of our global commitment to be water positive across our facilities and operations by 2030.”
“Meta’s generosity will impact not just our immediate community, but the region as a whole,” Dean O’Connor, Mayor of Altoona and ICON Board Member, said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expedite our plans and further develop ICON Water Trails.”
“As a city, we value connection,” Angela McKenzie, Bondurant City Councilmember and ICON Board Member, said. “Meta’s investment allows us to provide greater connection for our residents — greater connection to the water, to our region and to each other.”
Sites within Altoona and Bondurant will add soft trails, respite seating and carry-down access along Mud Creek. To date, the private capital campaign is more than 75 percent complete.
About Great Outdoors Foundation
The Great Outdoors Foundation is a non-profit that provides funding for outdoor recreation and conservation projects in Central Iowa. The Great Outdoors Foundation is Central Iowa’s pathway to sustainable, healthy environments. We are a regional conservation leader and catalyst for high-impact, environmental projects. We convene partners with a shared vision, drive collaboration and raise awareness and funds. Driven by our clear purpose, we challenge ourselves to seek and take on partner projects offering exceptional and long-term impact requiring a regional approach and creative funding.
About ICON Water Trails
Iowa Confluence Water Trails — ICON, for short — will connect 80+ improvements across 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa. Initiated by the Central Iowa Water Trails Consortium, including Capital Crossroads, Catch Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines Area MPO, Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Great Outdoors Foundation, ICON represents a new commitment to water safety and conservation as well as a concerted effort to drive economic development, visitor attraction and workforce retention. Learn more at ICONwatertrails.com. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
