Storm Lake Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) – The Storm Lake Kiwanis clubs held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week to celebrate the new neighborhood Kiwanis Park, a project three years in the making.

The park is built on the former site of Joyce’s Greenhouse, which was destroyed in a fire several years ago. During the event, Carl Thurn with the Kiwanis Beavers praised the city, donors, and volunteers who made the park a reality. He said it was a true group achievement.

The park’s development happened in stages, and now includes playground equipment, a basketball and pickleball court, and a new gazebo with a picnic table. A water station and another basketball hoop are planned for the future.

Joyce Culp, whose family owned the greenhouse property for over 67 years, also spoke, saying the park embodies the spirit of the community.

Thurn specifically thanked numerous financial contributors, including: The Buena Vista County Community Foundation, The Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District Foundation, The Kiwanis Children’s Fund, The City of Storm Lake, A Healthy Iowa 5210 grant, and proceeds from the Noontime Kiwanis triathlon and funds from the Kiwanis Beavers club.