The Ottumwa Sportsplex Project received a $2.5 million grant from Destination Iowa, a state program designed to create “transformational tourism attractions.”
The office of Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) made the announcement on Thursday.
According to a press release, the funding the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission received represented 23 percent of the total project investment of the Sportsplex which is $10.7 million.
The Ottumwa SportsPlex project consists of the construction of a new 60,000-square-foot indoor sports complex in Sycamore Park adjacent to the Beach Ottumwa. The state-of-the-art facility will provide three full-size basketball courts, four volleyball courts, a 9v9 turf soccer field, a softball and baseball infield, two batting cages, a turf football field, concessions, and offices. The facility will be owned and operated by the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission; a nonprofit organization developed for the project.
IEDA opened the Destination Iowa program in May 2022 and accepted applications through December 31. Applications were scored based on eligibility, completeness, and the project’s ability to meet the program goal of creating transformational tourism attractions. Destination Iowa grants have been open to cities, counties, nonprofits, and other organizations through four separate funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attraction, and Creative Placemaking.
Other area recipients of Destination Iowa funding include:
- Wapello County was awarded $500,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Pioneer Ridge Park Campground. The award represents 40% of the total project investment of $1,260,975.
- The Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association was awarded $500,000 to improve and enhance existing campground facilities at the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association grounds. The award represents 38% of the total project investment of $1,312,525.
- Jefferson County was awarded $450,000 for improvements and enhancements to the Jefferson County Prairie Ridge Campground. The award represents 39% of the total project investment of $1,166,430.
- The City of Keosauqua was awarded $300,000 for the Lower Des Moines Water Trail. The award represents 32% of the total project investment of $950,249.
