Urban Acres Agents Pledge $25,000 to Build North Liberty’s Next Stage
North Liberty is an ideal place to put down roots, and no one boasts more about the quality of life and progress in North Liberty than city staff – except for real estate agents. It is with this growth mindset that Urban Acres Real Estate Agents have pledged $25,000 to Building North Liberty’s Next Stage campaign.
The capital campaign will help transform Centennial Park into a magnetic gathering space, with development planned in four phases. The first phase is scheduled to break ground this July and includes the construction of an event center, outdoor amphitheater, restrooms and a plaza. A premier splash pad, wheelchair-accessible playground units, additional restrooms and parking, an open-air pavilion and honor garden will follow. These amenities will increase access to arts and entertainment in North Liberty and draw visitors from around the region to our community.
Urban Acres is the first and only member-owned real estate firm in the Corridor. Their specialty in both residential and commercial real estate has been recognized with many local accolades, but the company is guided by giving back to the community they serve. “We’re about more than buying and selling homes” said REALTOR® Brooke Kauffman. “It is important to us to invest in the places our clients call home and the communitywide initiatives that bring more entertainment to Johnson County.”
The gift comes from the combined donations of 37 Urban Acres agents: Ainsley Snyder, Alicia Messer, Andrea Hicks, Becky Halsch, Brandie Thein, Brooke Kauffman, Carrie Floss, Cathy Pugh, Cayla Swift, Char Kruse, Chelsey Riggan-Kuepker, Chris Boddicker, Cindy Clark, Craig Kuepker, Daphne Patton, Ellie Campbell, Jason Peterson, Karen Mitchell, Lou Kessler, Maria McCaw, Mike Bails, Natasha Wendt, Phil O’Brien, Polly Riggan, Rebecca Phipps, Rob McCain, Robin Sueppel, Ross and Hope Nusser, Sean McIntyre, Shaner Magalhães, Taylor Blazek, Tom Kaut, Tricia Van Roekel, Tundi Brady, and Ben and Whitney Russell. One of two dressing rooms that will serve as a private space for stage performers and wedding parties inside the event center will be named the Urban Acres Real Estate Orange Room in recognition of their support.
“The excitement we’ve received from businesses and individuals has been impressive,” said Mayor Chris Hoffman. “Over 225 donations have poured in, and each of these gifts will make an impact for years to come.”
The project — which is expected to be completed over the next five years — 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 restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
Building North Liberty’s Next Stage capital campaign will help fund all four phases, with a total goal of $3.5 million. Over $2.3 million has been raised towards that goal since the campaign launched in April 2023. Gifts to the project are being accepted at 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].
