Foundation supports community improvements for health, vitality

Two community improvement projects in Guttenberg have received grant funding from the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities (FCC), a fund held by the Clayton County Foundation for the Future. The Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce received $1,000 to help fund a Guttenberg promotional video and the City of Guttenberg received $3,500 to help fund playground equipment at Darwin Duwe Field in Guttenberg.  

Promotional Video: The Guttenberg promotional video will be used to help local businesses recruit professionals as well as to attract new residents and visitors to the area. As a bonus, residents have united around the strong, positive narrative. Online, viewers commented, “Love my hometown!” and “Guttenberg will always be home.” The project addresses two challenges identified by a survey of community leaders: The decline of rural populations and recruitment and retention of health care professionals.

“Our team is honored to have support from the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities,” said Mandy Ludovissy, who spearheaded the project on behalf of the Guttenberg Chamber. “Thanks to the generosity of many local funders and volunteers, we were able to create a promotional piece we are proud of.” 

The video has been viewed more than 3,700 times across 18 states. It can be viewed on YouTube at tiny.cc/guttenbergiowa.

Playground Equipment: The FCC’s grant for new playground equipment in Guttenberg fits with its mission to support the health and vitality of local residents. Children and families will benefit from an improved recreation experience.  

“The City of Guttenberg is working to enhance the family recreation area near the new swimming pool on Great River Road,” said City Manager Denise Schneider. “The grant from the Foundation will help fund the badly-needed replacement of aging playground equipment at Darwin Duwe Field.” 

Last summer, little league teams played 127 games on the field just steps from the playground equipment, while soccer teams also practice and play there. This means it is a destination for families with children who want to be active while siblings play sports, and it’s well-used before and after games and practices. A poured-in surface beneath the equipment will make the playground accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The new equipment is expected to last 15 years or longer, meaning it will help at least a generation of youth form a safe, positive, healthy habits that include outdoor exercise. 

The new equipment is the latest upgrade to a park that has already seen numerous improvements. Projects like the new pool, tennis and basketball court resurfacing and pedestrian accessibility improvements have drawn more people to the area, while construction of a skate park will bring even more activity. Many volunteers have been involved in enhancing this main entry point to the community.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with these two organizations,” said Jackie Lee, grantmaking committee chair. “We are excited to partner with more organizations and visionary leaders on projects and initiatives that will keep our communities healthy and strong.” Learn more about FCC or become a member at dbqfoundation.org/fcc, or contact Amy Speed at 563-252-5516 or amy.speed@guttenberghospital.org.

To help improve the vitality of your Clayton County community, contact Emily Sadewasser, Clayton County Foundation for the Future coordinator, at ccff@dbqfoundation.org or 563-880-6044.