A ‘Court Improvement Project’ sign pinned to the courts at Reinbeck’s Elmwood Park. The local park board is working to raise $100,000 to renovate the pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts in the area. PHOTO COURTESY REINBECK PARK BOARD/FACEBOOK

REINBECK – Peoples Savings Bank is rallying in a big way for Reinbeck’s Elmwood Park Improvement Project, recently committing to a $10,000 match challenge.

“[Peoples Savings Bank] was approached by a member of the park board who pitched the idea to us. We loved the match opportunity as a way to generate excitement and foster a sense of urgency in regards to revamping the current courts as quickly as possible. PSB believes that Elmwood Park provides a beautiful place for families and kids to experience small town Iowa living and we are dedicated to helping ensure that it stays that way for years to come!” Peoples Savings Bank Vice President Jeremy Thesing told the newspaper.

PSB is currently in the midst of an expansion into Reinbeck, constructing a new building at the corner of Center Street and Grundy Avenue with plans to open this August.

The Reinbeck Park Board, which manages the city pool, parks, and ball programs, first announced the Elmwood Park improvement project last summer, writing on social media in June, “We’re launching a fundraiser for a major Court Improvement Project – and we need your help! The Reinbeck Park Board is planning to renovate the pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts – making them safer, more modern, and ready for many more years of community fun.”

Per the board, the $100,000 project is set to include the grinding down of current surfaces; repairing cracks and damage; laying 2 1/2 inches of fresh asphalt; and applying new color coating for a clean, vibrant finish. At the time of the initial announcement, the fundraiser had progressed 10% towards its goal.

Fast-forward to March 21 of this year, the board announced it was now $33,000 toward the goal thanks to donations and grants. Just two days later, the board had even more good news to share, posting to social media: “We’re excited to announce a $10,000 Matching Challenge thanks to Peoples Savings Bank! Every dollar donated – up to $10,000 – will be matched now through July 1, turning your gift into double the impact.”

Elmwood Park Improvement Project supporters currently have two ways to take part in the matching challenge, per the park board – by dropping off donations at City Hall in downtown Reinbeck or via Venmo to @Reinbeck-Parkboard.

Elmwood Park, located on the far west side of town, offers soccer, baseball, and softball fields along with the aquatic center, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, walking paths, and playground equipment.

With Reinbeck celebrating its Sesquicentennial – 150th birthday – this summer alongside America’s 250th anniversary, sprucing up the courts at Elmwood Park will certainly be a win for the people.