The Emerson Improvement Organization Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Evans Park on July 25, 2026 at 11:00am. 

The Emerson Improvement Organization (EIO) which is a 501c3 nonprofit, began fundraising for park improvement projects in 2024. We will have the ribbon cutting for 2 projects we have completed in 2026 this day.

1) Evans Park Sand/Mulch Project:  With the help of the City of Emerson all the sand in the playground area was removed. The EIO purchased playground rubber mulch and plastic edging to replace it. The rubber mulch is non-toxic, safer, cleaner, and a healthier environment for the children to play on. EIO raised a total of $48,041 and this does not include what the city paid to remove the sand and labor to help move the 93 tons of rubber mulch.  This project was made possible by many fundraisers, The Iowa West Foundation, Houghton State Bank, Mills County Community Foundation, Malvern Bank, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Chad and Eli Magers, and many local volunteers and contributors.

2)  Evans Park Sport Court Renovation Project: We renovated our existing basketball court with an all weather surface, 2 new basketball hoop systems, and added pickleball. This project was made possible by grants and donations from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Mills County Community Foundation, and the Mills County Supervisors. $35,600 was raised to complete this project.

The Emerson Improvement Organization hopes these improvements bring more families to come and use our beautiful Evans Park in Emerson.  We want to thank all the donors and volunteers that helped make these improvements happen.