By Grace Nordquist, Community Engagement Coordinator
If you recall from our winter newsletter, we shared the exciting news about purchasing and tearing down the house in the lot next door to our Sioux City building. Since the house was torn down we’ve removed all the debris, leveled the ground between the two lots, installed grass seed and irrigation, removed and will replace and expand the property fencing, and even poured concrete. We’ve also received renderings for the future urban park we have envisioned for the space.
As you can see from the rendering pictured, we have plans to finish our concrete into a half-court basketball court, perfect for some 3-on-3 basketball. In fact, this was our project for this year’s Siouxland Big Give, in which we raised $1,275. Next to the basketball courts we’ll plant trees for shade and extend an 8’ height fence around this area. We have grass planted for a future urban soccer field and we’ll bring back our gaga ball pit. This leaves green space for additional outdoor games and picnic tables where students and staff can enjoy lunch, study, work and engage in meaningful conversations. We’re also looking to add creativity to the space by putting murals on the building and new signage near the doors. This urban park will truly bring life to the neighborhood and we’re excited for the project to be completed so we can share it with the community!
None of these dreams could have been accomplished without the help of our partners. In fact, thanks to Holland Lawn Care and Cardis Fence and Iron, this project has gotten its start much faster than we could have imagined. We also have our Big Give donors, 100+ Women Who Care, and many other partners to thank for making this possible.
We can’t wait for our students to utilize this area and for the new neighborhood youth that will visit our park. Just as our property has changed and will bring life to the neighborhood, we look forward to the life change that will happen in students’ lives when they enter into authentic Christ sharing relationships with adults at our new urban park.