News : New Things for Shellsburg City Park

The Shellsburg Area Community Group (SACG) obtained a grant from the Benton County Community Foundation for some upgrades to the city park. This spring a "funnel ball" game was installed behind the gazebo and a smaller version of a basket game was placed in the mulched playground area. The funnel ball game at the school playground had been very popular, but the balls tended to get stuck so when researching the games, we made sure to get one that would accommodate a basketball.

Funnel ball is simple. Just shoot the ball into the "funnel" and it will exit one of three holes, numbered one through three. Kids can keep score. It gives them practice shooting, catching the ball, competing, sharing and counting. Children are able to create their own games and scoring, while learning team play and social skills. And they can work off some excess energy!

Younger children will enjoy the basket game installed in the mulched area. For both games, you'll need to plan ahead and bring a ball!

In mid-July we received two covered benches also funded through this grant. These have now been placed on cement pads near the park playground. The 2020 derecho left our playground without shade for parents who supervise their child's play. Hopefully, these benches will provide some relief and protection from the sun. They are made of a resin material that is low maintenance and will hopefully serve the community for many years to come.

SACG volunteers have worked with city officials and staff to plan these additions. We want to thank Scott McNeal, Tim Estling and Shane Rieck for their assistance in getting the games and benches installed.

We also want to thank the Benton County Community Foundation for choosing to support this project. By combining the grant money with SACG funds these enhancements could be made to the city park and available for everyone to enjoy.

So come on down to the park to check out the new additions!