The dedication is a culmination of many volunteer hours, from fundraising to manpower, helping to get this new facility up for the community to enjoy.

Shirley Nelson, one of the volunteers for the project, said they had raised $60,000 toward the building.

“Enhance Hamilton County gave us around $9,000, almost $10,000 in 2025, but we also raised $6,000 from a garage sale and another $25,000 from individual donations,” said Nelson, “Other people have continued to donate to get up to the $60,000.”

One of the projects was a large garage sale, which generated a substantial amount of income for the project.

“We had some very close friends who had to move to a care center, and the family asked us to come and clean out the house and garage,” said Nelson, “They donated all their belongings to this project.”

Nelson handled the majority of the fundraising. She also serves as a city council member, and was responsible for writing the grant for Enhance Hamilton County. Shirley and her husband Mike have worked together to help get things ready for the summer ahead.

“The shelter has been getting steady use ever since it went up,” she said. “We have a ladies night the second Monday of the month, and from 25 to 40 ladies gather in the park.”

“One of the key participants of the project was Danny Pruismann, who was the contractor to construct the building,” said Nelson. Pruismann, who lives across from the park, and his son Conner went above and beyond, said Nelson.

“Just because it was his town.”

The addition to the existing shelter was important for the community, she said.

“There was help from so many individuals who helped in so many ways that I can’t name them all,” said Nelson.

The shelter is available to rent for $75. For information for rental, Nelson who is the council member responsible for the city recreation and park facilities, is the contact person. Her number is 515-297-2477.