DES MOINES, IA (June 20, 2023) – The Great Outdoors Foundation is pleased to announce that the MidAmerican Energy Regional Fund, a $5 million investment in ICON Water Trails, has awarded its $125,000 spring grant to the City of Clive. The funding will be used to establish access to Walnut Creek within the future Clive Greenbelt Landing, a recommendation outlined in the 86 improvements of the original ICON feasibility study.

ICON Water Trails is a $125 million initiative aimed at connecting 150 miles of waterways across Central Iowa. Its strategic design leverages outdoor recreation to promote conservation and water safety while driving workforce development and tourism attraction throughout the region. There are currently 14 active sites within ICON that are open and available for use, but the expansive network is set to grow over the next year, including the addition of the aforementioned access point in Clive. Additionally, ICON has broken ground on the first of its signature downtown sites, Principal Point at the Scott Avenue dam, set to be completed by the end of 2026.

“MidAmerican Energy Company’s investment in ICON Water Trails is designed to activate signature amenities just like that of Clive’s future Greenbelt Landing,” Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration for MidAmerican Energy, said. “The City of Clive’s vision for this site embodies the key goals of ICON, and we look forward to seeing its impact on the landscape of the community.”

“We are incredibly grateful to MidAmerican Energy Company for its leadership in this major placemaking endeavor,” Richard Brown, Leisure Services Director for the City of Clive, said. “We believe that the Greenbelt Landing will not only strengthen the connectivity within ICON, but will also provide unique experiences to engage with nature for residents and visitors of all ability levels.”

Along with adding access to Walnut Creek, the improvements at the new ICON site within Clive’s Greenbelt landing include:

• Outdoor performance stage.
• Formal festival grounds.
• All-inclusive playground.
• Accessible fishing pier.
• Stormwater wetland.

“The MidAmerican Energy Regional Fund is an exemplary model for collaboration,” Hannah Inman, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Outdoors Foundation, said. “This investment in our region is maximizing existing momentum and accelerating the strategy behind ICON Water Trails to deliver measurable benefits throughout our community.”

Applications for the next round of grants will open up in the fall for ICON’s jurisdictional partners.

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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.