Imagine.
A community striving for more.
About.
Imagine Grinnell is a partner program of the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, turning imagination into action by creating a more vibrant, sustainable and healthy community in Grinnell, Iowa. Since 1985, the organization has innovated and spearheaded a multitude of significant initiatives including the development and growth of the local Farmer’s Market, construction of a state-of-the-art skate park, overseeing incubator projects such as curbside compost pickup, hosting and directing a regional annual gravel bike ride event, maintenance of community gardens and many more impactful programs. Working to create healthier people and a healthier environment in the Grinnell community, Imagine Grinnell embraces community collaboration. To support Imagine Grinnell, consider submitting ideas, volunteering or donating financially.
Upcoming Events.
Programs.
Imagine Grinnell and its partners are taking focus on a handful of programs and initiatives aimed at keeping the community vibrant, enhancing sustainability and creating an overall healthy environment for all. Learn more about each program and get involved today!
Tree planting, care and maintainence volunteer force.
Bikes available for free rental at the Bikes to You.
Revitalization project for Arbor Lake and Lake Nyanza.
Fresh, local produce for anyone and everyone.
Non-competitive gravel bike ride.
Volunteer group to build trails around Arbor Lake.
TreeCorps Volunteers.
An extension of the 1000Trees initative, TreeCorps is a volunteering group dedicated to helping plant and maintain the newly planted trees in the post-derecho effort to replace our lost tree canopy.
Image via Unsplash by Francesco Gallarotti
Grinnell Bike Share.
Grinnell Bike Share is a program of Imagine Grinnell, encouraging participation in a healthy outdoor activity while building community and increasing bike awareness in Grinnell. Bikes are available to rent for free at the Bikes to You location in Grinnell.
South Lakes Revitalization.
This is an exploratory project to revitalize the Grinnell South Lakes: Arbor Lake and Lake Nyanza. Thanks to a seed fund from the Grinnell Lions Club, we have begun investigating possibilities and opportunities.
Image via Unsplash By Caroline Attwood
Marvin Garden.
Spanning the Grinnell and Brooklyn, Iowa communities, Imagine Grinnell participates in maintaining one of the community gardens, Marvin Garden. These “Giving Gardens” offer fresh, local produce for anyone and everyone to harvest. The gardens are regularly maintained by volunteers and partners, ensuring any excess produce is delivered to local community centers.
Prairie Burn 100.
Taking its maiden voyage in 2019, the Prairie Burn 100 gravel bike ride serves the Grinnell community annually with an entire weekend of outdoor activities and tourism to the area while also fundraising for Imagine Grinnell and its initiatives. Coined a non-competitive ride, cyclists can choose to ride 25, 50 or 100-mile loops that all circle back to Grinnell’s downtown Central Park.
Trail Team.
Imagine Grinnell volunteers are working to build soft trails around Arbor Lake for biking and walking use. Plans to expand into other areas throughout Grinnell are underway. Become a part of this unique initiative to improve the walking and bike system in the Grinnell community.
Give.
A community the resources it needs.
Image via Unsplash by Elaine Casap
Support.
Imagine Grinnell and its initiatives exist because of monetary support, its amazing volunteers and collaborative partnerships. Consider contributing your time, ideas or financially to ensure the Grinnell community may continue staying vibrant, sustainable and healthy.
Image via Unsplash by Milada Vigerova
News.
Contact us.
info@imaginegrinnell.org
(641) 236-5518
1510 Penrose St. P.O. Box 284
Grinnell, IA 50112