Over $100,000 of local American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding will be used to support community-led projects designed to make it easier for Pierce County residents to be physically active and enhance the quality of life for all Pierce County residents.

Pierce County Public Health (PCPH) received 19 applications with requests totaling over $300,000 to support many outstanding projects throughout Pierce County. The following projects were selected to receive funding:

• Healing Play, Inc. awarded $10,000 to support equipment for the Fairy Wonderland Park in Prescott.
• School District of Elmwood awarded $20,000 to support a community walking track.
• Plum City Middle and High School awarded $20,000 to support creating a social, intergenerational, inviting space around the school basketball court with a gathering space, workout area, and game shed.
• Lions Club of Prescott, Inc. awarded $4,600 to support a portion of the Lions Club Park improvements, such as a shade structure, table, benches, and bike rack.
• School District of River Falls awarded $18,000 to support School Forest signs, benches, learning stations, and trail compost material conducive to wheelchair use.
• Village of Ellsworth awarded $15,000 to support outdoor space enhancements at the public library, such as the front green space, new retaining wall, landscaping, furniture, fire feature, lighting, and outdoor projector screen.
• Elsie's Barnyard, Inc. awarded $17,900 to support expanding their outdoor space by adding a gazebo, outdoor furniture, ramps, and an expanded outdoor driveway and parking area.

“The awarded projects will impact residents throughout the county from a variety of geographical locations and will reach residents of varying demographics and abilities. We were so impressed with the many creative projects and pooled community funding that the organizations have used to help make these projects a reality,” said Brittany Mora, Nutrition and Physical Activity Manager for Pierce County Public Health.

PCPH thanked the grant selection committee, which included a public health client and representatives from the Pierce County Board of Health, Allina Health River Falls, the St. Croix Valley Foundation, a local school district, and the University of Wisconsin Madison-Division of Extension.

PCPH began distribution of funds for these projects in July 2023. Projects will be completed by October 2024.

Submitted by Pierce County Public Health