Investing in Future Growth

​A few weeks ago, Fareway Stores, Inc. pledged their largest donation in company history—a whopping $2M to be put toward the new Boone Community Wellness Center. This contribution covers nearly 20% of project costs and reduced the burden on local taxpayers as the City was able to lower the franchise fee from 3% to 2%. Investing in large-scale projects like these through charitable contributions is a direct investment in the greater community. The more we have to offer, the easier it becomes to attract and retain talent.
 
We’ve seen a number of charitable contributions for quality of life amenities throughout our communities recently. Nevada is nearly the end of their private fundraising for their Fieldhouse project. The Fieldhouse would bring 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor recreational space to the community including two basketball courts, a soccer field, children’s play structure, an upper-level track and meeting space.  Ames has also seen an influx of charitable giving for the proposed Indoor Aquatic Center with the current fundraising total coming in at just over $10.3M.
 
These facilities offer more to a community than recreational opportunities. The high levels of fundraising indicate our community members’ understanding that one of the biggest factors people consider when relocating is the quality of life a community will provide.  The Boone Community Wellness Center, Nevada Fieldhouse, and indoor aquatic center in Ames are the kinds of amenities our communities need to stay competitive and promote healthy growth. When people visit our towns for tournaments and other events held at these recreational venues, they get a glimpse into our community and are more likely to return as visitors and in some cases residents. The increased out-of-town traffic also increases patronage to local stores and restaurants, continuing to feed dollars into our local economy. It's not an exaggeration to say community wellness and recreational facilities are a win-win for everyone involved.
 
The Boone Community Wellness Center project will go to public vote on Tuesday, March 1. If you are a citizen of Boone, I implore you to exercise your right to vote next week and vote yes to move this project forward. Be a part of the team of community officials, leaders and residents working tirelessly to build upon Boone’s long-standing culture of recreational activity and bring a much needed amenity back into the community.
 
Don’t make Fareway take their donation back next week. Vote yes and keep Boone on its current trajectory toward growth and increased amenities for residents and visitors alike.

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