Iowa Confluence Water Trails Names Director, Launches Grassroots Campaign

DES MOINES, IA (July 13, 2021) – 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, is pleased to announce the launch of Iowa Confluence Water Trails — ICON for short. The newly-formed, independent 501(c)(3) will be responsible for facilitating the $125 million project connecting more than 80 planned improvements across 150 miles of Central Iowa’s waterways.

Over the last two years, the Central Iowa Water Trails LLC board, made up of members from the Central Iowa Water Trails Consortium and other community leaders, has nurtured the project into a self-sustaining entity. Along with its new branding, ICON is excited to share that Maggie McClelland has assumed the position of director for the organization.

McClelland, who has served as the Central Iowa Water Trails Project Manager since January of 2020, brings more than six years of experience in managing projects, cultivating relationships and directing collaboration across multiple organizations.

“I’m thrilled to continue in this capacity with ICON Water Trails,” McClelland, newly named director of ICON, said. “The momentum and synergy around this project are significant, and it’s exciting to see the organization taking shape. It’s an honor to shepherd the vision into its next chapter.”

Today, ICON launches its grassroots fundraising campaign, entitled “80 Days of ICON,” a community-oriented movement representing the more than 80 improvements planned along Central Iowa’s waterways. Now through Friday, July 16 at midnight, all donors will receive an exclusive ICON t-shirt. Every dollar donated before the campaign’s conclusion on October 1 is an entry to win an exclusive ICON prize package, valued at more than $1000. Learn more at iconwatertrails.com/give.

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.