Pinicon Ridge Park receives $400,000 in state funds for overlook project

A Linn County project aimed at creating a scenic overlook in Pinicon Ridge Park has received $400,000 in state grant funds.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs on Tuesday announced about $1.3 million in Iowa Great Places grant awards among five projects.

One of those projects, the Wapsipinicon River scenic overlook project at Pinicon Ridge County Park, would redevelop the area that once housed a park shop facility into a scenic overlook for public use, according to a Tuesday news release.

The approximately $4.3 million project includes a 9,400-square-foot open shelter, which includes a 2,300-square-foot deck and patio area.

The building is designed for up to 300 people and is expected to house large group functions, class reunions, weddings and graduations.

'We are pleased to partner with these Iowa Great Places as they continue to build and strengthen cultural vitality in their communities,” Matthew Harris, administrator of the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs that oversees the Iowa Great Places program, said in a Tuesday news release.

'These projects enhance quality of life and generate economic opportunities for their communities while celebrating their local character,” Harris said.

The other projects to be granted funds include:

- Rebuilding of the fire-damaged Cedar Covered Bridge in Madison County

- Renovation of Harvester II building in Council Bluffs

- Trail construction in Turkey River Recreational Corridor near Elgin

- Phase II development of Trestle Park in Manning

l Comments: (319) 339-3175; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com