OUR MISSION

 

The mission of the Iowa Parks Foundation is to strengthen the connection between Iowans and their parks by creating innovative partnerships and making strategic grants that transform Iowa’s parks while improving Iowans’ health and quality of life.

 

Why Invest in Iowa’s Parks?

Because-Direct Experiences in the Natural World are Vital to the Physical and Mental Health of Every Iowan of Every Generation.

 

Vision:

What is the IPF Board’s Vision?

As we approach the 2020 centennial of the founding of the Iowa Parks System, our work will benefit all Iowans and will result inHealthier Iowans, a Healthier Environment and Healthier Communities.

While park use is at an all-time high, our parks have become virtually self-service and we are challenged to restore historic structures while repairing or replacing many outdated facilities. We are making great strides to begin the transformation of our parks and to strengthen the interpretive educational offerings available to visitors. We need your help to accomplish this important work.

  • Establish a sustainable philanthropic organization designed to assemble public and private assets which will be used to transform Iowa park lands.
  • This will be accomplished by strengthening local constituencies, making strategic grants, restoring park infrastructure, building facilities and financing interpretative programs in order to elevate the parks to world-class status by the year 2020.

 

Board of Directors

“Who’s Who” in the Iowa Parks Foundation?

 

Founders

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and former Congressman Neal Smith founded the IPF in 2008.

 

Chairperson

Joe Crookham, Chair of the Board, MUSCO Sports Lighting, Oskaloosa IA


The Foundation’s officers include:

  • Joe Gunderson, Secretary of the Board, Gunderson, Sharp & Walke, Des Moines, IA
  • Mark Doll, Treasurer of the Board, Doll Distributing Company, Des Moines, IA

 

The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes many notable Iowans from every corner of the state.

  • Donald Avenson, Avenson, Oakley & Cope, Oelwein, IA
  • Michael Bell, RDG Planning & Design, Des Moines, IA
  • David Caris, MidAmerican Energy, Urbandale, IA
  • Jake Christensen, Christensen Development, West Des Moines, IA
  • Dr. Kitty Conover, Ret. Dean, Iowa Lakes CC, Spencer, IA
  • Wes Ehrecke, Iowa Gaming Association, Clive, IA
  • Lois Eichacker, Community Activist, Iowa City, IA
  • Hugh Ekberg, Weitz Corporation, West Des Moines, IA
  • Kay Halloran, Ret. Mayor Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Willard Jenkins, Ret. John Deere, Waterloo, IA
  • David Johnson, Meredith Corporation, Des Moines, IA
  • Ann Jorgensen, Citizen Activist, Garrison IA
  • Michael Morse, Morse Retail Realty, Johnston, IA
  • David Ostlund, Musco Sports Lighting, Oskaloosa, IA
  • Gerry Schnepf, Keep Iowa Beautiful, Johnston, IA
  • Peter Hosch, Hy-Vee, Inc., West Des Moines, IA
  • Scott Stevenson, Stevenson Inc., Sioux City, IA
  • Steve Sukup, Sukup Manufacturing, Sheffield, IA

 

IPF Legal Council

  • Garth Adams, Esq. Belin Law Firm, Des Moines, IA


Ex-Officio Members

  • Sen. Merlin Bartz, Grafton, IA
  • Rep. Annette Sweeney, Alden, IA
  • Rep. Dan Kelley, Newton,. IA

 

Special Advisors

  • Roger Lande, Director (IDNR)
  • Kevin Szcodronski, Parks Bureau Chief (IDNR)