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Prairie Creek Enhancement Project

DEC 26, 2024

This multi-tiered project increases recreational opportunities and quality of life for our area.

Jackson County Conservation in conjunction with the City of Maquoketa is committed to encouraging area growth and development. We are currently working on a community project to enhance Prairie Creek Recreation Area.

The project includes:

Water quality provisions
ADA accessible trail connecting the City of Maquoketa to Prairie Creek Recreation Area’s many mowed trails.
Pavilion, restrooms, and parking lot connecting to the new trail along Highway 64.
18-hole disc golf course with both family friendly and professional holes allowing for competitive tournaments.

The total cost of the project is projected to be $2,596,000. The amount raised to date from grants, donations, and committed funds is $1,977,763.

As we strive to meet our projected cost we continue to apply for grants. To be eligible for multiple large-scale grants we must show a commitment of support from our area through fundraising. The Prairie Creek Project will be possible with the generous support of our wonderful community!

This multi-tiered project increases recreational opportunities and quality of life for our area. The water quality project will provide habitat for aquatic life and improve bank stabilization to reduce soil erosion. The trail will provide ADA access from the corner of Jacobsen Drive east along Highway 64 with a bridge across Prairie Creek to a parking lot with restrooms and a pavilion. The disc golf course will span across 40 acres of prairie & woodland, along a winding stream with beautiful views of limestone bluffs. The beauty of Jackson County and the enhancements to the park will encourage community outdoor recreation and tourism by offering fishing, wildlife viewing, scenic views, hiking, hunting, and disc golfing.

Similar county projects in Iowa, including Benton County, have seen an annual increase of over 10,000 tourists since establishing their competition disc golf course and trails. Benton County estimates increased spending to the region to exceed $300,000 annually.

The water quality portion of the project is underway! And the recreational advancements are slated to begin summer through fall of 2025 with project completion by 12/31/2025. Jackson County Conservation and the City of Maquoketa are excited to bring a variety of opportunities to all ages and abilities for our local communities as well as out-of-area visitors. Please consider sponsoring or donating to this amazing project!

Thank you for your interest in the Prairie Creek Project!

We would like to offer you an opportunity to advertise your business, memorialize or honor a loved one, or acknowledge your donation.

$200,000 – Naming the Prairie Creek pedestrian bridge along Highway 64 with your business or family name
$100,000 – Naming the interior trail bridge
$2500 - Sponsoring a bench (Business or name engraved on it - For the life of the bench)
$1000 - Advertising your business on an 18” x 24” metal sign to be placed at a hole for 10 years
$300 – Advertising your business on ¼ of an 18” x 24” metal sign to be placed at a hole for 10 years
$200 – 8” x 8” engraved paver (For the life of the paver)
$100 – 4” x 8” engraved paver (For the life of the paver)

All other donations welcome and appreciated! Thank you for your support!

Questions?

Call the Jackson County Conservation office at (563) 652-3783 or email:

Office Manager Sheila Root sroot@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov

Director Nate Jones njones@jacksoncounty.iowa.gov

To make a donation...

Mail a check to:
Friends of JCC
18670 63rd Street
Maquoketa, Iowa 52060

Or donate online:

https://givebutter.com/PrairieCreek

For brick engraving:

https://www.thatsmybrick.com/friendsofjcc

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!