New Signage at Ahrens Park

Ahrens Park added four large directional maps and eight distance markers to its walking path this fall. The purpose for the signage was to enhance the walking and exercising path and encourage physical activity by park users. Funding for the signage came from the Poweshiek County Transformation Grant (CTG), which was administered through Grinnell Regional Public Health (GRPH).

“The Ahrens Park Foundation seeks ways to improve accessibility and value for all individuals who use our park,” says Julie Gosselink, Ahrens Park Foundation board member. “So when the community transformation grant offered to fund signage, we agreed it was a great fit. The signs help individuals see the entire path and measure the distance they are traveling. This fit well with the goals of the CTG to encourage individuals to exercise more.”

Maps are located at the north end by the soccer fields, near the entrance to the softball and baseball complex and at the south end by the sledding slope. Markers are placed throughout the entire park along the walking path.

The Poweshiek County Transformation Grant funded the promotion of system level and community design changes, worksite wellness, community complete-street initiatives, community-based food environment projects, and smoke-free multi-unit housing initiatives to improve the health of residents in the county. It was administered locally through GRMC, and ended in the fall of 2014.