January 24, 2025

Grant to help Stuart explore new rec center

By SEED
Matt Funk with Stuart Enterprise for Economic Development (SEED), third from left, receives a $5,000 check from Coon Valley Telco. From left are Ethan Pitt, Ripple Effect Program Director with Iowa Area Development Group; Justin Schneider with Coon Valley Telephone, Funk with SEED; and Brenda Dudley with Midwest Partnership.

Matt Funk with Stuart Enterprise for Economic Development (SEED), third from left, receives a $5,000 check from Coon Valley Telco. From left are Ethan Pitt, Ripple Effect Program Director with Iowa Area Development Group; Justin Schneider with Coon Valley Telephone, Funk with SEED; and Brenda Dudley with Midwest Partnership. (Contributed Photo)

SEED (Stuart Enterprise for Economic Development) is pleased to announce a $5,000 grant received through the Ripple Effect program.

Made possible by matching contributions from Coon Valley Telco and Aureon, Coon Valley’s fiber technology partner, this grant will be used to develop a comprehensive master plan that outlines the feasibility, design, and estimated cost of a potential recreational center in Stuart. This award reflects SEED’s commitment to exploring quality of life opportunities for Stuart residents.

The master plan will include a space-needs study to determine the types and sizes of facilities required to meet the diverse needs of the community, as well as location possibilities, preliminary site layouts, floor plans, and an exterior visual representation of the building’s architectural design. The plan will provide rendering images depicting the proposed building’s exterior and interior spaces and an estimated cost for construction, aiding in future fundraising efforts.

An engineering firm will be hired with the grant funds to facilitate the planning process. However, the development of the conceptual master plan will be a collaborative effort that includes SEED, the City Council, and community stakeholders. Public engagement opportunities will be provided throughout the process, ensuring the final plan reflects the desires and needs of the Stuart community.

“Thanks to the generous support of Coon Valley Telco and Aureon,” said Matt Funk, Stuart Economic Development Director. “Through the Ripple Effect grant, we anticipate a significant impact on our community’s economic development efforts.”

Brenda Dudley, Midwest Partnership Economic Development Director, also extended thanks to all who made the grant possible.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Coon Valley Teclo and Aureon for their generous support through the Ripple Effect grant award. Thanks to their contribution, we can now move forward with the master plan to determine if a new recreation facility in Stuart is feasible,” Dudley said. “Their investment in our community is greatly appreciated.”

SEED expects to begin the conceptual master plan this spring, followed by further discussions and potential next steps for the project.