Nashua HEAL Committee Awards Funding for Six Projects Promoting Healthy Living | Waverly Newspapers

The Nashua Community Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Committee is excited to announce the funding of six community-driven projects through the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s 5-2-1-0 grant program. These initiatives are designed to enhance physical activity, promote wellness education, and strengthen community connections across Nashua.

The 5-2-1-0 program encourages four simple daily habits to improve overall well-being: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks (drink more water).

Earlier this year, the HEAL Committee invited community input through two public forums and a citywide survey, identifying residents’ priorities and shaping project proposals around those insights.

“The city of Nashua wants to thank all of those who have helped with these wonderful projects, which will most definitely benefit the Nashua community,” said John Ott, Nashua City Clerk.

The six funded projects include:

• Pickleball Court Conversion – The Nashua Park Board will repurpose an underused tennis court into a pickleball court, promoting inclusive and accessible recreation.

• Pedestrian Safety Beacon – A partnership between the city of Nashua and Big 4 Chamber will install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at a key highway crossing to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.

• Lifetime Sports Curriculum Update – The Nashua-Plainfield School District will enhance its high school physical education offerings with new equipment and activities.

• Playground Addition – A new piece of playground equipment will be installed at the recently developed baseball complex, further supporting youth activity and play.

• Day Camp Enhancements – The Husky Wellness Center will enrich its summer day camps with new active learning equipment and materials.

• Community Garden Launch – Volunteers have established a community garden on Merrill Street to increase access to fresh produce and promote neighborhood collaboration.

“We are thankful to the state for providing such a program to support the health and wellness of Iowa’s communities. We also want to express our appreciation to the community members we brought together to collaborate. Through your partnership and commitment, we were able to bring over $70,000 into our communities—with just $24,000 serving as the catalyst for discussion. Thank you,” said Val Johnson, president, Big 4 Chamber and Nashua Community Foundation.

Most of the funded projects are set to be implemented this summer. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services funds the 5-2-1-0 grant program in three-year cycles, and the Nashua HEAL Committee anticipates launching the next round of community input later this fall.

The Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG) serves as the coordinator for the HEAL Committee, supporting project planning and implementation. For more information about the HEAL Committee or to get involved in upcoming efforts, contact INRCOG at 319-235-0311.