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Newton Today
By the People, for the People
Newton Seeks Prairie Meadows Grant for Park Upgrades
Funding would support new amenities at Aurora and Harmony Parks
Published on Mar. 1, 2026
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The City of Newton is applying for a Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant to help fund planned improvements at two local parks, Aurora Park and Harmony Park. The grant would cover the cost of new bleachers, windscreens, and a shade pavilion at the Aurora Park tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a prefabricated restroom facility at Harmony Park.
Why it matters
The city is looking to upgrade its park infrastructure to better serve the community, but needs additional funding to complete the planned projects. Securing a grant from Prairie Meadows, a major regional nonprofit, would allow Newton to move forward with these park enhancements without having to fully shoulder the financial burden.
The details
Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler says the Community Development Department will be applying for the Prairie Meadows grant to help cover the required city match for the planned park improvements. At Aurora Park, the grant would pay for bleachers, windscreens, and a shade pavilion for the new tennis and pickleball courts. At Harmony Park, the funds would assist with the installation of a prefabricated restroom facility that the city purchased for up to $125,000 using a donation from the estate of Curt Jackson.
- The City Council approved the purchase of the Harmony Park restroom facility this week.
- The city is still finalizing the amount of the Prairie Meadows grant request.
The players
Matt Muckler
Newton City Administrator
Prairie Meadows
A major regional nonprofit that provides grant funding for community projects in Iowa.
Curt Jackson
An individual who donated $125,000 to the City of Newton for a new restroom facility at Harmony Park.
What’s next
If the Prairie Meadows grant is approved, the city will move forward with the planned park upgrades at Aurora and Harmony Parks.
The takeaway
Newton's efforts to enhance its local parks through a combination of city funding and external grants demonstrate the city's commitment to providing high-quality recreational amenities for residents and visitors.
