Governor Branstad signs proclamations
For Immediate Release February 15, 2011
(DES MOINES, Iowa) – Gov. Terry Branstad signed proclamations today honoring Hamilton-Webster Counties and Danish Villages-Elk Horn & Kimballton as Iowa's newest Great Places communities.
The proclamation recognizes the communities for cultivating the unique and authentic qualities that make them special. Today's proclamation signings direct the Department of Cultural Affairs to work with these communities on the projects outlined in their proposals and work plans.
"With these proclamations, the state officially honors the efforts of these communities," Governor Branstad said. "These communities have proposed projects that build their cultural infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance quality of life opportunities that retain Iowa's young persons and attract new residents of all ages."
Following are summaries of each community's proposals:
Danish Villages-Elk Horn & Kimballton
The Danish Villages-Elk Horn & Kimballton will become known as a model green community, based on practices currently used in Denmark. The community's proposal focuses on its "bridge from the past," showcasing the authentic Danish Wind Mill, Danish Immigrant Museum and Little Mermaid attractions. The proposal includes building the Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park at the museum site; a multi-use Danish Villages Conference Center, Fire Station and green Energy Academy; and the Little Mermaid Recreational Trail and Park Improvements with public art focusing on the works of Hans Christian Andersen.
Hamilton-Webster Counties
"Where the Rivers Run Wild" - Hamilton-Webster Counties are focusing on the area's recreational benefits. Their proposal includes The Fort Dodge Trails & Riverfront project, which includes a three-mile hard surface trail along the Des Moines Riverfront in Fort Dodge; the Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park expansion and 25-site campground with two family camping cabins; a Fort Dodge Downtown Plaza that connects trails and the pedestrian loop to the future Community Festival Lawn; a 14,400-square-foot Outdoor Convention Center in the Briggs Wood Recreation Area; and a 21,456-square-foot regional Brushy Creek Environmental/Education Center located in the heart of Brushy Creek State Recreational Area.
# # #
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for developing the state’s interest in the areas of the arts, history and other cultural matters with the advice and assistance from its two divisions: the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council. DCA preserves, researches, interprets and promotes an awareness and understanding of local, state and regional history and stimulates and encourages the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation in them. It implements tourism-related art and history projects as directed by the General Assembly and designs a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan with the assistance of the Iowa Arts Council to develop the arts in Iowa. More information about DCA is available at www.culturalaffairs.org.
