The Decorah Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Decorah have established 2 new funds with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities in Decorah. These funds, the Ball Fields and Pickleball Courts Project Fund and the Wayside Park Basketball Hoops Fund, will support critical improvements to the city’s recreational infrastructure.

The Ball Fields and Pickleball Courts Project Fund has been created to support the construction of new recreational facilities in Decorah. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the City of Decorah and the Decorah Parks and Recreation Department, will expand opportunities for sports, recreation, and events. Planned implementation of phase 1 includes the construction of two 280-foot ball fields with batting tunnels and dugouts, four pickleball courts, a 100-stall parking lot with a convenient drop-off area, an extended mowed trail system, native plantings and a stormwater detention basin, and a plaza with a portable restroom enclosure. Planned implementation of phase 2 plans to bring additional amenities, including two more ball fields, four more pickleball courts, and enhanced infrastructure to support an even broader range of programs and events. The project site is located along Old Stage Road adjacent to the Decorah Dog Park and Freeport Trail, designed to serve the community for generations to come.

“We are thrilled to establish this fund and bring these much-needed recreational facilities to Decorah,” said Marc Holtey, director of Decorah Parks and Recreation Department. “This project represents our commitment to providing modern, accessible spaces for all to enjoy.”

The Wayside Park Basketball Hoops Fund was created to replace the existing basketball hoops in Decorah’s Wayside Park. This initiative seeks to improve playability and accessibility for individuals of all ages in one of Decorah’s most popular recreational areas. Driven by Decorah Parks and Recreation, the project aims to foster a more inclusive and engaging space for the community. The upgraded hoops will enhance opportunities for basketball enthusiasts while strengthening community connections. Wayside Park is a vital hub for recreation in Decorah, and this project ensures the park remains a vibrant gathering place that promotes physical wellness and community engagement.

“The new basketball hoops at Wayside Park will create an improved experience for players of all ages,” said Holtey. “This upgrade reflects our dedication to maintaining high-quality recreational spaces for our community.”

Financial gifts of cash/check and stock are accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA, 50613. Checks to the funds should be made payable to the Ball Fields and Pickleball Courts Fund or the Wayside Park Basketball Hoops Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at cfneia.org/donations/ball-fields-and-pickleball or cfneia.org/donations/waysidepark. Donors to the fund can take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts.

Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Terry Gaumer, charitable advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org.

Information about the Winneshiek County Community Foundation can be found at www.winneshiekccf.org.