October 07, 2024

Grant to improve greenspace

Executives from Aureon present a $5,000 grant check to representatives from DMACC Sept. 23, in front of the new Legacy Plaza Greenspace at the DMACC Newton Campus. Pictured are (from left) Tara Connolly, executive director of the DMACC Foundation; Joe Pugel, chair of the DMACC Board of Directors; Rob Denson, President of DMACC; Ray Warner, manager of Industry Affairs for Aureon; Sean Presnall, sales executive at Aureon; Kim Didier, executive director of DMACC Business Resources; and Bill Peters, executive campus dean at the DMACC Newton Campus.

The new Legacy Plaza Greenspace will be the centerpiece of the Legacy Plaza neighborhood, creating a seamless and beautiful fairway connecting the DMACC Newton Campus to Legacy Plaza and downtown Newton. The Greenspace will include a walking trail; a covered, multi-use pavilion; a wide-open lawn for outdoor concerts in the summer and an ice rink in winter; and a large art sculpture near the south entrance that will pay tribute to Newton’s past, present and future.

The $5,000 Aureon grant will be used for landscaping that includes native trees, grass and prairie flowers. The grant is part of a fundraising campaign to complete the new community project.

“Together with Greater Newton, we’re creating a beautiful new space where our students, tenants, residents and visitors can gather and enjoy this unique public area,” Tara Connolly, executive director of the DMACC Foundation, said. “It provides an opportunity for potential donors to be recognized for leaving a living legacy to future generations of residents to enjoy and reflect on Newton’s heritage.”