A Small Iowa Community Makes a Splash

July 7, 2023

Summer is in full swing, and many things make Iowa summers great. Summer recreational opportunities are more than just fun and games for Iowa’s rural communities. Across the state, communities are looking to offer opportunities that bring people together and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. New Hartford in Butler County recently made a splash in its effort to do just that. On June 3, 2023, the community opened its new splash pad, the culmination of five years of planning and work.

“We hit the button to the splash pad and reveled in watching children and families with smiles on their faces as they enjoyed this beautiful new facility,” said Sandy Becker, co-chair of the splash pad project.

The residents of New Hartford and surrounding communities embraced the project, volunteering countless hours and supporting it financially through local fundraising efforts. This support included two grants from the Butler County Community Foundation totaling $19,000, including the project’s first major grant, which Sandy said provided the spark and motivation to move forward.

Like many Iowa communities, New Hartford has seen activities once held in the community redirected after a school merger. The splash pad is a testament to the love for New Hartford and the desire to make it a destination for people seeking the exceptional quality of life Iowa’s rural communities offer.

“New Hartford has worked hard to bounce back and become a place where families young and old thrive and enjoy life,” said Sandy. “This project not only brought a splash pad to our small community but created an even greater sense of community pride.”