Ahrens Park Foundation
In 1997, the Ahrens Park Foundation was established as a private operating foundation, which owns and operates Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park. The Ahrens Park Foundation is dedicated to providing first class recreational and athletic facilities while collaborating with wellness, educational and recreational programs and organizations for the greater good of the community of Grinnell.
Also located at the park is the Ahrens Family Center, the Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center, and the offices for the Ahrens Park Foundation, Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, and the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District.
“Planting the Seed” Campaign Annual Fundraiser
Following its recent landmark donation of land to the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, the Ahrens Park Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its newest annual initiative, the “Planting the Seed” campaign. Kicking off on June 29 this high-energy public outreach is designed to educate the Grinnell community about the foundation’s vast offerings while raising funds to sustain the park’s future.
Ahrens Park has long served as the heart of outdoor recreation and youth sports in Grinnell. The “Planting the Seed” campaign aims to share the foundation’s history, impact, and current efforts, culminating in an annual fundraiser to keep the park beautiful and accessible for generations to come. Donations collected will go directly toward the maintenance, preservation, and enhancement of Ahrens Park’s facilities, grounds, and community programs.
“Our recent land donation for the new school campus represents a massive seed planted for the future of Grinnell’s youth,” said Chad Nath, President and CEO of the Ahrens Park Foundation. “Now, we are asking the community to help us nurture the park itself. This campaign is about showing everyone exactly what the foundation provides—from the upkeep of our playgrounds and trails to the support of local sports leagues—and ensuring we can sustain these resources for years to come.”
Thank You To Our Community Partners





Services & Facilities
Recreational Activities
Grinnell Parks & Recreation
Youth Baseball/ Softball
Grinnell Youth Baseball & Softball Association
News

Progress on New Elementary School at Ahrens Park
August 11, 2026 It is exciting to see the progress continuing at the site of our new elementary school. The latest drone footage gives us a great look at how much the site is beginning to take shape. Work continues on foundations and footings throughout the building footprint, along with

ORGANIZERS LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING GHS ALUMNI DURING ALL-CLASS REUNION SATURDAY, JULY 4
Grinnell parkrun in Ahrens Park draws runners & walkers of all ages Whether walking or running, everyone is welcome to join the parkrun every Saturday in Ahrens Park. Runners and walkers gather to begin the 5K course at 8 a.m. each Saturday behind the Ahrens Family Center building. The Grinnell

Ahrens Park Foundation Announces New “Planting the Seed” Campaign for Park Advocacy and Annual Fundraiser
Following its recent landmark donation of land to the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, the Ahrens Park Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its newest annual initiative, the “Planting the Seed” campaign. Running from June 29 through July 4, 2026, this high-energy public outreach week is designed to educate

Ahrens ParkRun is Growing Each Week
The #4 Ahrens Park parkrun is in the books and it was a beautiful morning! We had 38 runners/walkers and 4 dogs.