On February 17, the Great Outdoors Foundation announced that the City of Windsor Heights was selected as a grantee of the MidAmerican Energy Company Regional Fund, a $125,000 endowment invested in ICON Water Trails.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The project is part of a larger, multi-phase improvement plan for Colby Park, located along Walnut Creek, and is in a currently under-utilized area of the park. In partnership with Bolton & Menk Inc., the City’s engineering firm, the project’s goal is to enhance the park’s natural water asset, allowing visitors to better connect with the outdoors and the natural resources at our doorstep.

The project will add an exciting new element to beautiful Colby Park, drawing even more visitors and tourists, and stimulating economic growth by bolstering local businesses.

The availability of outdoor recreational spaces is closely associated with a range of public health benefits, including enhanced mental well-being, physical fitness, and community involvement. With easy access to Walnut Creek, residents can engage in outdoor activities such as water play, fishing, and picnicking, promoting active lifestyles and supporting sustained healthy behaviors in Windsor Heights. The project will also offer an educational opportunity to highlight the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy water ecosystem.

PROJECT DETAILS

Located to the west of Colby Park’s amphitheater, the project will include the addition of an accessible walkway at a designated and secure area to access Walnut Creek, discouraging visitors from attempting to reach the creek at other, potentially hazardous locations, significantly enhancing the overall safety of the park environment. Design work on the project is currently underway, construction is anticipated to occur late 2025 or early 2026.

In addition to establishing an entry at this point along Walnut Creek, the new ICON site will also include:

• Establishment of a native riparian plant community.
• Interpretive signage.
• Respite areas.
• Limestone stairways.

The project’s addition to Colby Park will continue to enhance it as a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike in addition to buzzing with activities and events year-round. The park comes alive with a variety of popular events, such as Movies in the Park, Fall Festival, and Nights in the Heights.

PROJECT FUNDING

The City is grateful and thrilled to receive the $125,000 MidAmerican Regional Fund and has allocated an additional $85,000 for the completion of the project. The City looks forward to being an integral access point along Walnut Creek for ICON.

About the Author: Adam Strait serves as the City Clerk for the City of Windsor Heights.