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A vacant lot in the heart of downtown �鶹��Ƶ will soon become a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors thanks to support from �鶹��Ƶ College's Community Mini-Grant Program.

The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative has been awarded $6,178 to create the "�鶹��Ƶ Smallest Park," a pop-up parklet that will transform the vacant lot at 915 Main Street into a vibrant public space designed for connection, relaxation, and community use.

The lot is owned by �鶹��Ƶ College alumna Nazareth Soberanes '13, who has been a supportive partner in helping bring the project to life.

When complete, the parklet will feature green space, flower baskets, picnic tables, and fairy lights to encourage activity and gathering throughout the day and into the evening. Designed as a movable and reusable community asset, the parklet can be relocated and reimagined elsewhere in the community when the property is eventually developed. Prairie Thrift will maintain the space.

"Great communities are built through small, intentional investments that bring people together," said Melissa Stovers, executive director of the Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative. "This project will activate an underutilized downtown space into a place where neighbors can gather, visitors can linger, and community connections can grow. We're grateful for the support that will help bring this creative project to life and add another welcoming destination in downtown �鶹��Ƶ."

The project is one of two local initiatives receiving funding through the latest round of Community Mini-Grants.

The �鶹��Ƶ Community Early Learning Center (GCELC) received $6,375 to enhance its outdoor learning environment with new equipment focused on nature-based exploration, sensory play, and hands-on learning. The improvements will benefit children enrolled at GCELC as well as �鶹��Ƶ-Newburg School District preschool students, who will begin sharing the playground space in fall 2026.

Kathleen Whisenand, executive director at the �鶹��Ƶ Community Early Learning Center shares, “We strive to get children outside at least an hour each day, year round.  Time spent outside can lead to better physical and mental health, improved sleep, and cognitive, social, and emotional gains for young children.  They need time in nature to explore, observe and problem solve.”

In addition to new outdoor learning features, volunteers will help children plant flowers and vegetables in playground gardens. Throughout the growing season, children will help care for the plants, participate in harvesting, and enjoy the vegetables they helped grow.

"These projects reflect the creativity and collaboration that make �鶹��Ƶ such a special place," said Monica Chavez-Silva, vice president for community engagement and strategic planning at �鶹��Ƶ College. "Whether creating new opportunities for children to learn through exploration or transforming a downtown space into a gathering place for neighbors, these initiatives bring community-based ideas to life to strengthen community connections and contribute to a more vibrant and welcoming �鶹��Ƶ for everyone."

Donnette Ellis, community relations and grant coordinator, said the projects exemplify the purpose of the Community Mini-Grant Program.

"�鶹��Ƶ College is proud to support these thoughtful, community-driven projects that make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors," Ellis said. "From expanding play-based learning to creating new community gathering spaces, each project reflects the care, creativity, and commitment of organizations working to make �鶹��Ƶ an even stronger, more connected place to live."

The Community Mini-Grant Program is one way �鶹��Ƶ College partners with local nonprofit organizations to support initiatives that build community strength and resilience.

Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 grant cycle. Proposals are due by Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. The preferred method of submission is through the online application form, though paper applications may also be requested through the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research.

For more information about the Community Mini-Grant Program, visit grinnell.edu/communitygrants.