The second phase of the DMACC Newton Campus Legacy Plaza Greenspace project is officially underway, bolstered by a generous challenge from longtime Newton community leaders, Chris and Denise Vernon.  

The Vernons, who serve as co-chairs of the Legacy Plaza Greenspace Fundraising Committee, have announced a $250,000 Vernon Challenge Grant to help secure funds for the project and complete the final phase of improvements.  Through November 15, the couple will match every new or increased donation to the Greenspace project by 2X—thus tripling the impact of each gift. 

“If a donor gives $500, then we will match it with $1,000,” said Chris Vernon, Chairman and CEO of the Vernon Company and a member of the DMACC Foundation Board. “Even families who’ve already pledged can increase their gift and have the difference matched.  It’s our way of helping the community bring this vision to life.”  

The Newton Legacy Plaza Greenspace project is transforming the historic site of Maytag Plant One into a vibrant, multi-use destination that connects the DMACC Newton Campus to downtown Newton.  Phase Two of the project will feature:

  • A Multi-Use Pavilionfor concerts, farmers markets, festivals and educational events. In winter, it will convert into a public ice rink through a partnership with the Iowa Wild hockey franchise—one of the few such rinks in central Iowa.
  • Architectural Canopy and Shade Structuresthat enhance year-round usability and reinforce the site’s visual identity. 

"This project is about more than beautification," said Joe Pugel, former DMACC Board Chair and DMACC Board Member Emeritus. "It’s about creating a space that fosters connection, celebrates our community’s heritage, and invites DMACC students and people to gather year-round.”

To date, the project has raised over $2.3 million through private donations, grants and in-kind contributions. The Vernon Challenge Grant is expected to help raise additional community support and strengthen the application for a $580,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant from the State of Iowa.

The DMACC Legacy Plaza Greenspace spans five acres on the east side of the newly dedicated Carroll Bennett Building and Building 2 at the DMACC Newton Campus, connecting to Legacy Plaza via a landscaped walking path lined with native vegetation and shade trees. The landscape walking path, shade trees, lighting and other infrastructure improvements were completed in Phase 1 of the Greenspace project earlier this year.  Later this fall, an iconic sculpture commissioned by the Vernon family and Company will be installed.  In total, $4 million is being invested in the Greenspace as the once manufacturing brown field is transformed into a jewel for the community.

For more information on the Legacy Plaza Greenspace or to make a donation, visit here.

For more information, contact:

Kim Didier kmdidier@dmacc.edu

(515) 971-6953