Marshall County Conservation in Iowa celebrated the official grand opening of the first 30 campsites at Green Castle Recreation Area, marking the culmination of a 15-year plan to establish a full-service campground at the county park south of Ferguson.
The event drew community members, local officials, and conservation supporters, with Marshall County Conservation Director Emily Herring leading the ceremony near the new playground.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees enjoyed a community celebration that included a hot dog meal served by the Friends of Marshall County Conservation, live music from local artist Buz Owen, s’mores, yard games, and shaved ice from Tropical Sno.
Looking ahead, the county plans to add another 30 campsites in a third phase, which would double the total number of sites to 60. Herring said funding and time will continue to drive future improvements.
Herring acknowledged the long journey to completion, referencing a quote often attributed to Martin Luther King Jr. to illustrate the perseverance required to see the project through.
“Over the course of 15 years, not once did public support fade,” Herring said, as reported by Times Republican. “We hit a few roadblocks along the way with anything else, but here we are today with an amazing campground.”
The campground, which includes 30 sites in its first phase, was completed with support from a mix of public and private sources.
The total cost was estimated, with $680,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds administered by the Marshall County Board of Supervisors and a $400,000 Destination Iowa grant serving as the two largest contributors.
Additional funding came from local organizations, including the Martha Ellen Tye Foundation, the Community Foundation of Marshall County, and various civic groups, businesses, and individuals.
Fundraising for the adjacent playground was led by the Friends of Marshall County Conservation, a volunteer organization that also provided support during the event.
Herring also credited Weidner Construction of Marshalltown as the general contractor and acknowledged the role of Steel Construction in the development process. She thanked staff and supporters who contributed to the campground’s completion.