Posted 27 August, 2026
Friends of Bear Creek and the City of Forest City were awarded $705,000 to replace the clubhouse at Bear Creek Golf Course with a new 12,000-square-foot, two-level facility featuring a full-service restaurant and bar, indoor golf simulators and public gathering space. The facility will provide a year-round destination for recreation, dining and events, attracting visitors for leagues, tournaments, community gatherings and corporate outings. The total project cost is $2.35 million.
The City of Larchwood was awarded $1 million to construct an 18,825-square-foot, fully handicap-accessible community center to replace the city’s aging recreation center. The new facility will provide the community of fewer than 1,000 residents with modern space for recreation, youth programs, tournaments, craft fairs and other events. Amenities will include a multiuse gymnasium, a walking track, fitness and aerobics rooms, a kitchen and a community room, positioning Larchwood to host regional activities and attract visitors from nearby Minnesota and South Dakota. The total project cost is $4.13 million.
The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.