Kalona received a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism grant for the renovation and construction of their new community center. The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded the grant as part of their Enhance Iowa program. According to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Enhance Iowa gives grants to aid projects that “provide recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational attractions, as well as sports tourism.” These grants are given to projects that will “enhance the vitality of a region and the state overall.” Jessica O’Riley from Enhance Iowa explained Kalona’s project appealed to the group, “The board really liked that they were reusing a historical building. The best part about these grants is that it’s something that the community wants, they’re all fed from the community. It’s not the Enhance Iowa board saying ‘Do you know what Kalona needs? It needs a recreational center.’ It’s the community coming to the board and saying, ‘Here’s what we need in our community to give our residents a better quality of life or attract tourists.’”

State Senator Kevin Kinney shared the news of the grant stating the grant will help fund a “state-of-the-art recreational facility with three basketball courts, an elevated walking track, fitness and dance room, and new weight and exercise equipment.”

The Kalona Community Center project has also received $400,000 total in grants from the Washington Riverboat Foundation. The current community center has been in existence since 1914. The building is home to several organizations including Kalona City Hall, YMCA, and the English River Watershed Management Authority. The bond referendum for the community center renovation was passed in March 2016 with 66% in favor. The new plans for the center will allow more space for expanded programming from the YMCA, offering fitness programs for all ages. The project has three planned phases of renovation of the second floor interior, demolition of the current gymnasium, and construction of the new addition. The new building is expected to be usable by January of 2018.