116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Hiawatha named Healthy Hometown
It is one of three Iowa cities to win award
Three Iowa communities, including Hiawatha, were presented with a 2023 Healthy Hometown award last week by Wellmark.
The award, presented April 20 in Des Moines, recognizes accomplishments in health improvement projects.
Six Iowa communities across Iowa were up for the award, with Bettendorf and Grundy Center also selected as this year’s winners. Each community will receive $5,000 from Wellmark.
“We received many high-quality applications, which is a testament to the work being done to improve the health and well-being of our state, Wellmark Vice President Laura Jackson said.
The achievements in Hiawatha included:
- Developing a trails master plan that includes installing rapid-flashing crossing beacons and bike racks at city facilities.
- Creating a City Plaza that allows for social gatherings and events, in addition to new bike racks, public restrooms and drinking fountains.
- Adding a mile of paved trails to the Turtle Creek Trail system and building a new play structure and splash pad.
“Hiawatha is honored to be named as a finalist for the 2023 Healthy Hometown Powered by Wellmark Award,” Hiawatha City Manager Dennis Marks said in a news release.
“Our community is continuously identifying ways to improve Hiawatha. Whether that’s through increasing connectivity or forming safe spaces, we are committed to creating a path for creativity, diversity, and opportunity for all.”
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