The final element for the overall improvements to a city park in a Greene County town is coming to fruition.

Alyssa Juergensen is the project manager for the Churdan Shelter House and says demolition started in late May to tear down the old, inadequate facility that was not user-friendly and install a new one by the end of August. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the new shelter house will have an indoor space with windows that can be opened and closed, along with ceiling fans, tables and benches with chairs and one restroom on the interior. Juergensen points out the one thing that building will not have is heating and air conditioning, as she explains the reasoning behind that.

“In Churdan, where the shelter house is located, just across the alleyway, there is a community room which has full heat and air conditioning in it for people to utilize for events. And so, we don’t want to take away from that community room.”  

Juergensen notes that there will also be one exterior restroom with a covered outdoor area that has benches and tables as well. She says the outdoor restrooms are meant for individuals or families that are enjoying the nearby park, walking trail or exercise equipment to be able to utilize. She outlined the total cost of the project is about $130,000 without any incidentals that could come up. Juergensen is appreciative of the Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation competitive grant the project received for $50,000, along with some 100 individuals, businesses and organizations that have helped financially support the city-driven project.

Juergensen reflects on what she has enjoyed the most about working through this project, alongside the city.

“It’s been a wonderful volunteer opportunity for me personally, being able to get involved in my community and give back to the community that means so much to me. It’s been very humbling and eye opening seeing everyone come together and be supportive of this project, all of the donations and in-kind contributions as well. And I cannot express how thankful we are for that. If we didn’t have that, this project would not be possible.”  

Juergensen encourages anyone else who would like to donate to their efforts can do so via check or monetarily via Churdan Shelter house Project P.O. Box 188 in Churdan, IA 50050, or the donation can be dropped off at City Hall. She adds that a $100 or more donation will be featured in appreciation posts to social media and $500 or more will be included on permanent signage on the shelter house. There will be a Churdan Lions Club pancake breakfast once the structure is complete.