Bernard Playground Project

05/04/2026

One year ago! Let's just take a minute to sit with it. It has been one incredible year since! These memories and moments will never get old sharing!

04/23/2026

Thank you to the East Central Iowa Association of REALTORS for your generous donation to the Bernard Playground Project. We are truly grateful that you selected us as a grant recipient.

This contribution is another powerful reminder of the incredible support we’ve received from people both near and far who believed in this vision, this project, and our community. What started as an idea has become a reality because of that shared belief and collective effort.

This playground stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and heart. We could not have done this without the generosity, encouragement, and dedication of so many.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.

Yesterday, ECIAR visited Bernard to check out the new Bernard Playground and present a $3,000 check as a 2025 ECIAR Community Impact Grant recipient. This incredible space proves that small towns can do BIG things! It’s the perfect spot for families to gather, play, and connect. Huge congratulations to the Bernard Playground Project on reaching their fundraising goal—we can’t wait to see what’s next in Phase 2! And yes…Paxton gave the playground a full “kid-approved” test run!

04/18/2026

Three years ago, we held our very first community meeting for this park project. What started as a conversation turned into something much bigger—because people showed up, shared ideas, and stayed committed.

This space was truly built by our community. Every voice, every suggestion, every bit of support—near and far—helped shape what you see today. It’s a reflection of what can happen when people come together with a shared vision and a willingness to put in the work.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who contributed along the way. Your time, energy, and belief in this project made it possible, and it will serve our community for years to come.

This project has always been rooted in the input and needs of the community, and that foundation is something worth honoring.

Thank you again to everyone who played a part—this is something we can all be proud of.

02/07/2026

💙 Huge thank you to Community Foundation of Jackson County

We are incredibly grateful for their $5,000 contribution to our playground project and for the trust, encouragement, and belief they’ve shown along the way. Working with a community partner that truly values collaboration and impact makes all the difference.

Thank you for helping make this space for kids and families possible! 🌈🛝

01/19/2026

Thank you Turpin Dodge of Dubuque and Megan Golden!
Congratulations to Megan on Nurse of the Week! Megan has been a huge supporter of Bernard Playground Project from the very beginning!
Thank you!

01/02/2026

Slowing down to meet with Molly Knuth reminded us that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply start.
You never know who will dream the dream or who will roll up their sleeves and do the hard work—but there are always people willing to step up. This project proves it.
A small-town idea. Over $500,000 raised in just over two years. An impact that will last for YEARS. We stumbled. We faced setbacks. But we stayed the course.

It’s easy to ask, what if we can’t do it?
But oh man… what if we can?
Take the risk. Take the first step. You just might change everything. 💙
Job well done team! Sharon Meyer Katie Decker Eric DeSousa Vicki Noonan Nicole O'Dell

And the countless others that have helped in ways beyond imaginable!

This week we will kick off the new year showcasing and recapping some of these very people, companies, volunteers that got us where we are today!

01/02/2026

This still feels like a dream most days! We are not ones to wish time away, but bring on spring!!

Right before 2025 ended, the Bernard Playground Project received the best early Christmas gift they could have asked for as they announced they have raised the last money needed to

12/26/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from The Bernard Playground Project!
We’re so thankful for our supporters and look forward to creating new memories together on our multi-use courts and walking trail this spring. ✨

12/23/2025

Thank you Molly Knuth for sharing our story of the Bernard Playground Project on her Found Podcast! This project has been one of courage, hard work, commitment, belief, community! We cannot wait as our vision is coming to life and almost complete. Thank you to all of our incredible supporters and donors, making helping make this dream, vision, come to life. Not only for now, but generations to come!

This project is one of community, near and far, and a committee that was committed and willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work! We are forever grateful.

12/15/2025

In case you missed the big announcement this weekend: Read the article below!! We are still on cloud 9! Stay tuned for additional updates!

I’m not even sure how to put this moment into words. Our team has dreamed about this for nearly three years, and there were times we truly weren’t sure we would get here.

Grit is defined as courage, determination, boldness, and steadfast resilience—and this mighty committee embodied every bit of it. They dreamed a dream, stayed the course, and with the unwavering support of our community and friends near and far, carried the Bernard Playground Project forward.

With immense gratitude, we are overjoyed to share that we have received confirmation from a generous donor who has committed to covering the remaining balance needed to bring this project to completion.

We can’t yet fully put into words what this means to us. The vision of our community enjoying the multi-use courts, families walking the path, and children filling this space with laughter is something we’ve held onto through every challenge.

For now, we simply say thank you—with full hearts, deep appreciation, and overwhelming gratitude. This moment is a testament to resilience, belief, and the power of community.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cv6J1KogEkwIiMor7DRWLk75z0eGL8Lu4STZIg0/?igsh=Nnhuc2lob2Nkbmhp