The Wellmark Foundation has notified two South Dakota organizations they will receive Matching Assets to Community Health (MATCH) grants, contingent upon securing the required dollar-for-dollar match. To ensure community support for these projects, organizations have until Aug. 25 to secure their matching funds. Each of the selected grantees are planning projects that can help individuals, families and communities achieve better health through built environment initiatives that encourage physical activity.
"The Wellmark Foundation is excited to see the planning, focus and community engagement in each of the selected applications," said Mary Lawyer, executive director for The Wellmark Foundation. "Both of these projects have the potential to make a positive, long-term impact on the overall health and well-being of community members, which will enhance the quality of life for generations to come."
The organizations selected to receive a Wellmark Foundation 2021 Large MATCH grant include:
City of Pierre, $100,000
Outdoor Pool Replacement
This project will replace the city's 90-year-old outdoor public pool with a modern family-friendly pool that will provide recreation, fitness, social and educational opportunities for all community members. The outdoor pool replacement plan, developed by a volunteer citizen committee, includes a 50-meter multi-purpose pool, a recreational pool, and a lazy river, as well as slides, a diving tower, water walk, children’s water platform, shade structures, and zero-depth entry. Not only will these features bring families to the pool for a day of fun and exercise, but it will provide wellness opportunities to people of all ages, including those with injuries, disabilities and medical conditions.
Fitness on Main, $100,000
Burke Splash Pad
The Burke Splash Pad installation is Phase I of a long-term Burke City Park project that includes plans for accessible trails, restrooms, a pavilion, public art, and updated green spaces. The community has a renewed interest in making the City Park more up-to-date, accessible, and exciting for kids, families, and community members of all ages and abilities. The splash pad will provide community members a safe, outdoor play space for many years and lead to interest in the park and outdoor recreation in Burke.
"Since 1991, The Wellmark Foundation has provided more than $36.6 million in grant funding to communities across Iowa and South Dakota," said Lawyer. "While a tremendous amount of work has been accomplished over the past 30 years, The Wellmark Foundation recognizes sustainable changes take time and we are pleased to continue to offer these grant opportunities."
View previous Wellmark Foundation MATCH grant recipients.
