September 2, 2022 (DES MOINES) – At their meeting held Thursday, in Des Moines, the Enhance Iowa Board awarded Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants totaling $775,000 to a pool project in Akron and a gymnasium expansion in Audubon.

The details for the projects receiving CAT grants are as follows:

Project Name: Audubon Recreation Foundation Gymnasium Expansion, Audubon
Total Project Cost: $1,964,682
Amount Awarded: $390,000
Project Description: An expansion to the existing Audubon Recreation Center will house two basketball and volleyball courts, a two-lane walking track and spectator seating. Additionally, the current basketball area will be repurposed into a fitness and weightlifting equipment area.

Project Name: Akron Family Aquatic Center, Akron
Total Project Cost: $3,200,720
Amount Awarded: $385,000
Project Description: The construction of a zero-depth entry and ADA compliant aquatic center will include six in-pool and deck shade umbrellas, multiple spray structures, two slides, a one-meter diving board, a new pump house and renovation of the existing bathhouse and concession building.

The Enhance Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. To date, 101 CAT grants have been awarded by the board, totaling $32,283,183. The next Enhance Iowa Board meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2022.