For more than three decades, Ahrens/Paschall Memorial Park has served as a place for children to play, families to gather, athletes to compete and the community to come together. A new independent economic impact assessment now demonstrates just how far that impact reaches: Ahrens Park generates an estimated $17.3 million in annual economic output in Poweshiek County.

The study, conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions using the IMPLAN economic modeling system, examined economic activity generated through Ahrens Park operations, employment, recreation, athletic events, facility use and visitor spending. The analysis was conducted alongside a similar economic impact study for Grinnell College, providing additional perspective on the economic contributions of major community institutions.

The study found that Ahrens Park’s annual activity supports:

  • 145 jobs
  • $5.6 million in labor income
  • $9.3 million in value added to the local economy
  • $17.3 million in total economic output

More Than 30 Years of Community Impact

Since opening in 1994, Ahrens Park has grown into one of the area’s premier recreational and community destinations. Its outdoor amenities include eight youth baseball and softball fields, previously three youth soccer fields, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, a driving range, playgrounds, community gardens, green spaces, shelter houses, a sledding hill, walking trail and seasonal ice-skating rink. Indoor facilities have supported fitness, swimming, gymnastics, youth sports, meetings, celebrations and other community programming.

That investment translates into significant year-round use. Average daily visitation is estimated at 150 people, with another 25 to 30 visitors using the driving range, in addition to participants and spectators attending organized programs, tournaments and special events.

Bringing Visitors and Dollars to the Community

Ahrens Park’s economic impact reaches far beyond the park itself.

Youth baseball, softball and basketball tournaments, Fourth of July fireworks, Kites Over Grinnell and other events bring hundreds of teams and thousands of participants and spectators to Grinnell. Many visitors travel 100 to 300 miles, contributing to overnight stays and regional tourism. Major tournaments can attract approximately 1,200 to 3,500 people during two- to three-day events.

The study estimates that visitor spending associated with Ahrens Park generates approximately $2.9 million in annual economic output, supports 31 jobs, generates approximately $700,000 in labor income and contributes $1.7 million in value added to the local economy.

That spending benefits businesses throughout the area, including hotels, restaurants, gasoline retailers, recreation businesses and retail stores. Visitors associated with Ahrens Park generate nearly $170,000 in value added for hotels and motels, approximately $92,000 for restaurants and $45,000 for gasoline retailers.

Sports tournaments alone generate approximately $4.1 million in annual economic output, support 43 jobs, generate approximately $1 million in labor income and contribute $2.4 million in value added to the regional economy.

A Community Campus with an Impact Beyond Recreation

Ahrens Park has also developed into a hub for nonprofit, educational and community organizations. Organizations located on the campus include the Ahrens Park Foundation, Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, Grinnell-Newburg Community School District offices, Grinnell Community Early Learning Center and City of Grinnell Parks & Recreation Department.

The economic activity associated with foundations and offices at Ahrens Park alone accounts for an estimated $11.3 million in annual economic output, supports 80 jobs, generates approximately $4 million in labor income and contributes $5.9 million in value added to the regional economy.

Investing in the Next Generation

Ahrens Park’s impact is also evolving as the campus helps meet one of the community’s most significant long-term needs.

In 2025, the Ahrens Park Foundation donated nearly 40 acres of the Ahrens Park campus to the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. The donated land and buildings were valued at $7,826,027 and include the Grinnell Athletic & Recreation Center, Ahrens Family Center, maintenance building and concession stand building.

The property will also become home to the district’s new elementary school, creating a new chapter for the Ahrens Park campus centered on education alongside recreation and community use.

While the economic impact study measures Ahrens Park before and after the land transfer, it does not include the future economic contribution of the new elementary school. Once the school opens, the jobs, operations and economic activity associated with the new facility will contribute additional economic activity to the Ahrens Park campus and surrounding community.

Meanwhile, Ahrens Park will continue to serve as a significant recreational destination. The study estimates that activities remaining with Ahrens Park following the land transfer will generate approximately $13.3 million in annual economic output, support 82 jobs, provide $3.9 million in labor income and contribute $6.9 million in value added to Poweshiek County.

A Lasting Community Legacy

“For more than 30 years, Ahrens Park has been dedicated to creating opportunities for people and strengthening our community,” said Chad Nath, CEO of the Ahrens Park Foundation. “This study helps quantify an impact we witness every day. From the families who enjoy the park and the young athletes who compete here to the visitors who stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, and support local businesses, the ripple effect reaches far beyond the boundaries of Ahrens Park. As we look toward the future and the addition of the new elementary school to this campus Ahrens Park will continue to be a place where recreation, education, and community come together.”

The economic impact study reinforces what generations of area residents have experienced firsthand: Ahrens Park is much more than a recreational facility. It is a community gathering place, regional destination and economic engine.

For more than three decades, investments in Ahrens Park have created opportunities for children and families, attracted visitors to the community, supported local businesses and jobs, and provided spaces where people can learn, play and connect. The transition of nearly 40 acres to the school district continues that legacy by helping position the campus to serve the next generation in an entirely new way.

About Ahrens Park

Ahrens Park is a privately owned and managed recreational and community campus in Grinnell, Iowa. Since opening in 1994, it has provided year-round opportunities for recreation, athletics, education and community programming while welcoming residents and visitors of all ages.