The History of APF
Claude W. Ahrens donates land to build Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park, Ahrens Family Center and Baseball/Softball complex in Grinnell, IA
The Ahrens Park Foundation (APF) is created, taking on the ownership and management of the Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park
The Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center (GARC) is built, housing three indoor basketball courts, walking track and offices
APF donates an historic house to the Iowa Parks & Recreation Association for its state headquarters at Ahrens Park
Addition of the Ahrens Golf Driving Range
Addition of three youth soccer fields, concessions, restrooms and north parking lot
First annual Kites Over Grinnell event, still hosted today
Addition of Foundation offices, housing APF, the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and the Greater Poweshiek County Foundation
Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park is named the Iowa Sports Complex of the Year by the Iowa Turfgrass Institute
Expansion of Foundation offices building and renovation of Dolly’s Flower Garden
Expansion of Ahrens Family Center with the addition of two additional learning rooms and restrooms for the Grinnell Community Early Learning Center
Facility upgrade to the GARC, including LED lighting for all basketball courts
Complete renovation of both large playground areas including all new equipment, surfacing and surrounding walkways. Also, addition of the Ahrens Giving Garden.
Complete renovation of outdoor basketball courts and hoops, tennis courts and addition of pickleball courts
Resurfacing of main parking lot, redesign of main entrance and added exit. Also, addition of native landscape areas and Gaga Ball pit.
Park history signage addition along walking trail
Sand volleyball renovation, exterior LED lighting upgrades, and purchase of land with the City of Grinnell, Grinnell College and Mayflower Community for a partnered solar project
Addition of Dolly’s Dog Park
Gift of land to the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District and groundbreaking for the new elementary school