Kiwanis Park was formally dedicated Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Storm Lake Kiwanis Clubs.
Located at the corner of Russell Street and East 5th Street, the neighborhood park is the result of a three-year collaborative effort involving local Kiwanians, city staff, and several community donors.
The site was once home to Joyce’s Greenery—originally Kolb Greenhouse—before the building was destroyed by fire 12 years ago.
Joyce’s Greenery Owner Joyce Smith reflects on the land’s history and the vision behind the project.
The park now features a playground, basketball and pickleball court, benches, public art, and a newly completed picnic gazebo. Another basketball goal and a drinking water station are still to come.
From the first shovel of dirt to the final coat of paint on the gazebo, Kiwanis Park has been shaped by many hands. City Communications Coordinator Dana Larsen says that kind of teamwork is what made the vision a reality.
Curt Reis, representing Storm Lake’s Hy-Noon Kiwanis Club, and Carl Turner, representing the Storm Lake Beavers Kiwanis Club, emphasized the community effort.
Turner noted the park’s need and impact on the neighborhood.
The park was made possible through support from the Kiwanis Clubs of Storm Lake, the City of Storm Lake, and donors, including the Buena Vista County Community Foundation, the Nebraska/Iowa Kiwanis District Foundation, the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, and 5210 Healthy Iowa.
