Hills Bank Pledges $50,000 to North Liberty’s Next Stage Campaign
The City of North Liberty has received a $50,000 pledge from Hills Bank in support of Building North Liberty’s Next Stage campaign to transform Centennial Park into a magnetic gathering place.
“North Liberty recognizes the role creative placemaking plays in economic development and quality of life,” said City Administrator Ryan Heiar. “We’re grateful for Hills Bank’s enthusiasm of our vision for Centennial Park and the value they place on designing communities where people want to live, work and play.”
The Next Stage campaign, which launched in April asks for $1 million in community support. As of this release, local businesses and community members have contributed over $239,000.
Hills Bank has been locally owned in Eastern Iowa for nearly 120 years and is committed to fostering the community’s growth and wellbeing.
“Hills Bank was founded on the principle that banks should care about the communities they serve and help provide ways to help them prosper, which is why Hills Bank is proud to support the City of North Liberty’s plan to transform Centennial Park,” said Lisa Shileny, President of Hills Bank. “As a proud member of the North Liberty community, we hope others will join us in embracing and supporting this special project that will transform the North Liberty landscape for future events for our customers, friends and neighbors.“
The Centennial Center — an indoor event space and connected outdoor stage — is the first of four phases with plans to break ground next July and complete construction in summer 2025. The multifaceted facility will welcome public events like craft fairs and author visits as well as private events such as business functions and weddings. A wide range of ticketed and free programs will be showcased seasonally on the outdoor stage including performances by touring artists, comedians, symphony orchestras, local dance studios and school district choir and band ensembles.
Phases two through four of Centennial Park include the addition of a premier splash pad, an open-air pavilion, expansive plaza spaces, wheelchair-accessible playground features, expanded parking and trails, restrooms and an honor garden. The park’s development will be funded through a variety of public and private resources, including community giving. Local businesses and community members are invited to donate to a designated charitable giving fund eligible for tax deduction at the Community Foundation of Johnson County.
Visit northlibertyiowa.org/nextstage to learn more about the project and make a donation. Total gifts of $500 or more will be recognized permanently at the park reflective of impact. Naming opportunities for areas throughout the park are also available. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Back row: Ryan Rusnak (City), Greg Metternich (City), Chris Hoffman (Mayor), Matt Olson (Hills), Dave Kriz (Hills), Tim Hamer (City), Shelly Simpson (City), Brian Platz (City), Tom Palmer (City), Grant Lientz (City), Drew Lammers (City)
Front row: Guy Goldsmith (City), Tracey Mulcahey (City), Lisa Shileny (Hills), Allison Bates (Hills), Donna Hallett (Hills), Tracey Stotler (Hills), Jillian Miller (City), Jennie Garner (City), Michael Pentecost (City)
