Relion Insurance Solutions Names Centennial Park’s Amphitheater Lawn with Capital Campaign Pledge
Relion Insurance Solutions, a Johnson County-based insurance agency serving Iowa for over well over 100 years, is putting their mark on the county’s quality of life and economic vitality for the next century with a pledge to North Liberty’s Next Stage campaign to transform Centennial Park into a magnetic gathering place.
“We are thrilled with the continued support we have received from the North Liberty community,” said Scott Enyart, President of Relion Insurance Solutions. “This pledge allows us to give back in a manner that will enhance North Liberty and surrounding communities for years to come.”
Construction of the Centennial Center, an indoor event space and connected outdoor amphitheater, and plaza breaks ground next summer with expected completion in late summer 2025. Staff will curate a mix of public and private events at this hub of the entertainment park, booking craft fairs, author visits, business functions, weddings, community meals and nonprofit fundraisers.
Outside, the amphitheater will connect park guests to the arts. A variety of ticketed and free programs will be produced seasonally on the stage. Attendees will enjoy professional shows from orchestras, touring bands, comedians and acrobatic artists, as well as performances from local dance studios and school band ensembles.
Centennial Park will continue to have expansive greenspace after the new amenities are added, and the lawn directly in front of the amphitheater will be designated space for audience members to enjoy performances from a blanket or lawn chair. In recognition of Relion’s gift, this area, complete with paved walkways and ADA-reserved seating, will be named the Relion Insurance Solutions Lawn.
Relion’s $100,000 pledge, received in early December, helped leverage a $900,000 Community Attraction & Tourism grant from the Enhance Iowa Board on Dec. 7. The state grant favors projects that have local business and individual buy-in.
“Relion has been a strong partner for North Liberty events and quality-of-life initiatives for years. This pledge takes that partnership to the next stage,” said Mayor Chris Hoffman. “We couldn’t be more thrilled for their trust, shared enthusiasm and deep commitment.”
The project is a win for all of Johnson County. An estimated $11.6 million is expected to be generated by the entertainment park each year, with these positive impacts rippling through businesses across the county. The development also spurs the potential for additional growth on the ample land surrounding the park and will help employers maintain and attract a strong workforce. All residents of Johnson County will benefit from the enhanced quality of life, entertainment, and accessibility the new amenities will bring.
The Centennial Center and amphitheater, park restrooms, an expansive plaza and necessary utilities are included in phase one of the anticipated four-phase development. Phase two, which will bring a premier splash pad, wheelchair-accessible playground units and additional restrooms to the northeast corner of the park is expected in 2026. Phases three and four will bring an open-air pavilion and honor garden to the park’s west side.
While the completion of the park is expected to take place over five years, the Building North Liberty’s Next Stage capital campaign that will help fund all phases is now, with a total goal of $3.5 million. Since April, over $2.2 million has been raised towards that goal.
Gifts to the project are being accepted by the Community Foundation of Johnson County, a 501(c)(3), who can accept gifts as cash, checks, credit card as well as other assets including stocks, required retirement disbursements and more. Gifts are eligible for tax deduction and can be made online at northlibertyiowa.org/give or by check to the Community Foundation of Johnson County at 501 12th Ave, Suite 102, Coralville, IA 52241, noting Centennial Park Fund in the memo.
Questions about the project can be directed to city staff at [email protected].
Pictured from left to right (all with Relion unless otherwise noted): Jon Goodvin, Dan Wegman, Matt Baker, Craig Schroeder, Kyle Austen, Nick Bergus (City), Mayor Hoffman (City), Jillian Miller (City), Ryan Heiar (City), Chad Kramer, Scott Enyart, Eric Upchurch and Rory Triplett.
