The Vision Iowa Board has awarded grants to build new attractions in three Iowa cities. Vision Iowa spokesperson Jessica O’Riley says the largest award granted Wednesday is worth one-million dollars ($1 million) and will help with several expansion projects at Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo. Those include a filtration system for the seal and sea lion pool, a new camel exhibit near the zoo’s entrance and more space for new animals in an Africa exhibit. All of the improvements at Blank Park Zoo carry a total price tag of over $9.3 million. The southwest Iowa town of Stanton will receive just under $514,000 in Vision Iowa funding toward the construction of a building that will serve as a public library, a community center, a wellness center and a storm shelter.

“This is a fabulous project,” O’Riley said. “The residents of Stanton have really supported this. For a town of about 700, I believe they have raised 800-thousand dollars. So, there’s obviously broad community support.” The third Vision Iowa award is for a wellness facility in Indianola. The board granted just over $483,000 toward the $15 million project.

The 55,000 square foot facility will include a gymnasium, a swimming pool and racquetball court. Wednesday’s meeting of the Vision Iowa Board took place in Mason City (at the Park Inn Hotel).

(Pat Curtis/Radio Iowa)