DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 30, 2024) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce a $1 million gift from Casey’s, granting naming rights for the future overlook at ICON’s coveted Center Street site. Casey’s joins dozens of others from the greater Des Moines business community who have backed the transformative quality-of-life initiative aiming to connect 150 miles of water trails across the region. To date, ICON has secured more than $99 million in funding including $31.5 million from the private sector alone.

ICON’s priorities of on-water safety, environmental conservation, economic development, workforce and tourism attraction, and access to recreation all support thriving communities to live, work, and play. Its expansive footprint includes twelve jurisdictions and boasts fifteen sites to date, with several more slated to come online in the next year. A recent economic impact report studying a single recreation season found that already, ICON is making waves for the region:

More than 250,000 visits to ICON’s fifteen access points occurred during this six-month timeframe.
Recreational activities on ICON contributed to improved physical and mental well-being, resulting in estimated reductions in healthcare costs of $16.7 million.
ICON’s access points yielded nearly $20 million in total economic output.

“We are incredibly grateful to Casey’s and its dedication to our community, its employees, and customers, who all benefit from ICON and its amenities,” Stephanie Oppel, ICON Water Trails Executive Director, said. “The private sector in our region is truly exceptional, and it’s because of partners like Casey’s that we’re able to bring this project to fruition.”

“At Casey’s, we are here to help make our communities great places to live, work, play and explore. Central Iowa is full of unexpected outdoor recreation benefits, and we are proud to be part of ICON Water Trails through our support of the Center Street site,” said Darren Rebelez, President and CEO of Casey’s.

Construction at ICON’s Harriet Street site and Principal Point at the Scott Avenue Dam continue on schedule. ICON’s second whitewater access point at Fleur Drive, is set to go to bid in summer 2025. For regular construction updates, click here.

About ICON Water Trails

ICON Water Trails is a regionally inclusive recreational confluence connecting culture, conservation, and adventure by empowering our waterways. When complete, ICON will connect 50+ access points across 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa.  This transformational initiative represents a new commitment to water safety and conservation as well as a concerted effort to drive economic development, visitor attraction, and workforce retention. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.