Grinnell Overwhelmingly Votes YES for our community, our kids and our future!

March 5, 2025 You did it, Grinnell! The PPEL vote passed by a super majority! Over 75% voted YES! The PPEL was approved to provide an increase in the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) to fund the construction of a new K-4 (with K–5 desired) elementary school. The gift of land by the Ahrens […]
Now Recruiting: Summer 2025 AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinators!

March 4, 2025 We are recruiting for two summer 2025 AmeriCorps Community Garden Coordinators! Make an impact by enhancing community gardens, engaging volunteers, and expanding access to fresh, healthy food! Apply now: https://go.iowa.gov/2dp4 or scan the QR code. Applicants should select the Claude & Dolly Ahrens Foundation as their preferred host site. Questions? Message us!
Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation Launches “We Belong Here” Podcast

March 3, 2025 The Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation (GNSF) has launched “We Belong Here,” a new podcast highlighting the achievements and stories that make the Grinnell-Newburg School District exceptional. The podcast debuted January 29 and new episodes are released every Monday at 7 p.m. “We Belong Here” amplifies the vibrant spirit of the Grinnell-Newburg School District […]
New AEDs Installed at Ahrens Park!

February 27, 2025 Thanks to a collaboration with Poweshiek County Public Health and funding from opioid settlement grants, two outdoor Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are now available at Ahrens Park. The Ahrens Park Foundation firmly believes these devices play a vital role in cardiac emergencies, providing critical life-saving assistance that can significantly impact response times […]
Fill out the Master Parks Survey

February 17, 2025 The city of Grinnell has a master parks survey available for anyone in the Grinnell community. This is a long-range strategy to help the city assess, improve, and strategically grow its recreational amenities and programs. Do you have a favorite park in Grinnell? Is it missing something that keeps it from being […]
Ahrens Park Foundation Announces Generous Land Donation for New School in Grinnell, Iowa

January 22, 2025 The Ahrens Park Foundation is pleased to announce a significant and generous gift of land in Grinnell, Iowa, intended for the construction of a new combined elementary school. As well, this gift will afford the relocation of the Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools district’s offices and greater future integration of the district’s work with […]
Dedication Ceremony for Inclusive Playground at Central Park

November 7, 2024 The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens is honored to be a supporter of the new Inclusive Playground at Central Park—a wonderful addition for Grinnell! Grinnell Recreation (Shared from the Grinnell Recreation Facebook page) Yesterday, we had the opportunity to celebrate and recognize those that made the Inclusive Playground project at Central […]
Trunk or Treat at Ahrens Park on October 19th

October 10, 2024
KITES OVER GRINNELL ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 at Ahrens Park

September 25, 2024 The 8th annual Kites Over Grinnell will be held on Sat., Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ahrens Park Soccer Field, 1510 Penrose Ave. Colorful kites by 15 members of the American Kitefliers Association (AKA) will dot the sky. Hailing from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, most of […]
William “Bill” Mason Posthumously Honored with 2024 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” Award

September 5, 2024 The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation is proud to posthumously award William “Bill” Mason the 2024 “Leave It Better Than You Found It” award. This prestigious honor, which commemorates the August 18 birthday of the late benefactor Claude Ahrens, recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that have made significant contributions to improving […]