Roberts’ Gift Helps Next Stage Campaign Surpass $2.4 Million Mark 

With a history of local public service and philanthropy, Dave and Rita Roberts have already made their marks on North Liberty. And now they’re leaving their mark in a different way: with a gift to North Liberty’s Next Stage campaign to transform Centennial Park into a magnetic gathering place. 

Visitors of the North Liberty Community Center may recognize the Roberts’ name from the Roberts Gymnasium. Rita Roberts was named to the Community Hall of Fame in 2022 and owned the North Liberty Flower Shop for over 25 years. Dave Roberts served as North Liberty’s mayor, with terms spanning the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Both have been active in the North Liberty Optimists and supported a wide array of programs and facilities for North Liberty’s youths and families for years, and the couple is a fixture at Blues & BBQ and other community events. 

In honor of the Roberts’ gift of $100,000, the Centennial Center’s kitchen and its exterior concession window will bear the Roberts’ names, a fitting place for future community waffle breakfasts, chili dinners and other meals, such as the annual North Liberty Optimists pancake breakfast. 

“The vision for Centennial Park is one of a beautiful community space for all ages and everyone,” the Roberts said. “We’re happy that we’re able to support the project to continue to help make North Liberty a special place.” 

Construction of the Centennial Center, an indoor event space and connected outdoor amphitheater, and plaza broke ground in July with expected completion in late summer 2025. City 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. Reservations are now being accepted for events in fall of 2025 through 2026 at northlibertyiowa.org/centennialpark. 

The Centennial Center will host a wide range of community and private events, and the kitchen and concession window will help serve the needs of guests indoors and out. A variety of ticketed and free programs will be produced seasonally on the stage and indoors. 

“Dave and Rita Roberts have been steadfast in their support of North Liberty for decades. Their financial gift represents a substantial role they play in our community as well as their countless hours of volunteerism,” said Mayor Chris Hoffman. “Thank you, Dave and Rita. We are grateful for your continued support and to have you in our community.”  

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 2023, over $2.4 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].