First National Bank donates $100,000 to McKinley Park Aquatics Center (MPAC) capital campaign

CRESTON — The McKinley Park Aquatic Center (MPAC) committee received another boost in momentum this week in their quest to build a new all-inclusive swimming facility in the city park.

On Wednesday, First National Bank in Creston and Afton announced their donation of $100,000 toward the MPAC capital campaign.

“Our bank wants nothing more than for Creston to be a community that attracts the very best young people,” said Randy Huewe, president of First National Bank. “An aquatics center of this magnitude is a great recruitment tool. But more importantly, it will provide a lot of fun family memories for years to come.”

This new aquatics center will feature two diving platforms, three large slides, an all-inclusive play structure, toddler cove, lazy river, climbing wall and zero-depth entry. It would also feature a newly-renovated bathhouse and concession stand.

The total cost of the facility is estimated at $5.5 million and that total includes funding a $1 million endowment. The endowment would be used for major repairs and upgrades as well as a supplement for operational costs, if necessary, to ensure MPAC will remain on the cutting edge of aquatic design for future generations.

“We are thrilled that First National Bank is supporting the MPAC project at this level,” said Sam Baird, chairperson for the MPAC committee. “We have worked very hard to put together an aquatic center that will serve the entire community. We believe the unique features incorporated in the design will draw swimmers from surrounding communities, providing a boost to the local economy as well as offering an exciting place to play, exercise and spend your summer days.”

With this donation, MPAC has now raised nearly  $1.7 million for the project in the past 9 months. That includes private donations such as this along with grants from South Central Iowa Community Foundation and the Dekko Foundation.

Baird said this First National Bank donation will be used to match a portion of the Dekko Foundation pledge the committee received in December. She added the MPAC committee will continue to raise funds, seek grant opportunities and community support to fund the entire project in 2019 with the hope of swimming in the MPAC in 2020.

If you’d like to donate to project, contact Baird, Mindy Stalker, Sarah Brown, Devon Tyler-Leith, Jeremy Rounds, Trina Paulus, Michelle Wagner, Sarah Young or Kyle Wilson.

To make your donation or learn more about the project at www.thempac.org

First National Bank in Creston and Afton is a full service community bank locally owned that specializes in commercial, ag and personal banking. First National Bank is committed to the communities it serves. Last year, First National Bank donated $134,954 to community projects.