North Liberty and Hy-Vee Announce Centennial Park Event Center Partnership
Today, Hy-Vee and the City of North Liberty announced a partnership granting the retailer, pending final city council approval, naming rights to the City’s new event center and amphitheater, located in Centennial Park, for the next 15 years.
“At Hy-Vee, we are deeply committed to enriching the communities we serve, and naming the Hy-Vee Center and Amphitheatre in North Liberty’s Centennial Park is an exciting way for us to support a vibrant gathering space for families, friends and neighbors,” said Crosspark Road Hy-Vee District Store Director Elise Scheil. “This partnership reflects our dedication to fostering connections and creating memorable experiences, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these venues will have on our surrounding communities for years to come.”
“This investment in our community enhances our ability to provide dynamic spaces for entertainment, recreation and connection,” North Liberty Mayor Chris Hoffman said. “Hy-Vee’s support reflects its ongoing commitment to giving back to local communities, and we’re excited for the countless memories that will be made here by residents and visitors alike.”
Centennial Park’s newly named Hy-Vee Center and Amphitheatre is set to open this fall. Once open, the facility will host 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 available at northlibertyiowa.org/centennialpark.
The project is a win for all of Johnson County, with an estimated $11.6 million in additional economic activity 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 Hy-Vee Center and Amphitheatre, park restrooms, an expansive plaza and necessary utilities are included in phase one of the anticipated four-phase Centennial Park development. Phase two, the Watts Family Play Yard, 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 by 2030, the Building North Liberty’s Next Stage capital campaign that will help fund all phases has raised a total of $3.2 million of its $3.5 million 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].
