Signature Project

Getting Started

Left as just a green space when the Glenbrook subdivision was being built in the early 1980’s, it became apparent that the local community needed a park.  The Kiwanis Club quickly stepped in and worked with the City of Glenwood to turn this green space into a park.  Even early on this became a collaboration between the city and the Kiwanis club.  The city of Glenwood came in to grade the dirt and prepare the space which then allowed the Kiwanis club to set up the very first set of playground equipment.  In the early years the park included a few pieces of playground equipment and a ball field.  It took a few years to get started with the Kiwanis putting in the first pieces of playground equipment in 1984. 

Naming the Park

Dan Hiley was the first president of the Kiwanis Club of Glenwood and was instrumental in building the initial relationship with the city to develop the park.  Tragedy struck on Christmas Eve of 1982 killing Dan Hiley in a workplace explosion.  As the club moved forward it seemed only right that Kiwanis Club of Glenwood find a way to pay tribute to Mr. Hiley and his contribution to both Kiwanis and the Glenwood community.  In early 1984, the Kiwanis Club of Glenwood petition the Glenwood City Council to name this no name park that Dan had been instrumental in developing as Hiley Park.  The council voted unanimously in support of the request and to this day it is known as Hiley Park for Dan Hiley.  The dedication was help in April of 1984 with approximately 95 community member present.

Recent History

After no major improvements for a few years, in the early 1990’s there was once again a need for updates.  This included the addition a picnic shelter and basketball court.  Additional swings were added and cushions included under the playground equipment.  The city provided the labor for changes in the 1990’s. 

In 1999 the Kiwanis club surveyed the neighborhood regarding their wants and needs for Hiley Park.  This was done using both a paper survey and at an ice cream social held at Hiley Park.  Based on those results the Kiwanis Club moved forward with huge project to improve all aspects of Hiley Park.  This was done in 4 phases over the next 15 years.  The Kiwanis held fundraisers, wrote grants and worked with local companies to get donations.  In the end a 700-foot walking trail was added, the basketball courts were improved, a footbridge was added to give an additional 100 houses walking access to the park and 2 sets of playground equipment were added.  The playground equipment includes a larger set for older children and a smaller set that was designed specifically for children under age 5. 

In the last 5 years the Kiwanis Club of Glenwood has done smaller project to support the park.  These include adding picnic benches, replacing basketball hoops and add and moving rocks under the playground equipment. 

Memories and Tributes

“I remember taking my mom to walk to the trail in Hiley Park.  She could not make it all the way round the approximately 700-foot loop so we would stop, sit on the benches and watch the children play.” remember longtime Kiwanis member Jacque Young.  In addition to being the first women to join the Glenwood Kiwanis group, Jacque is a lifetime member of the Glenwood community. 

Over the years community members who have used the park or donated significant amounts of time to the park have paid tribute to the park.  Vern Knutson was a long time Kiwanis member.  When he was no longer able to participate in Kiwanis for health reasons, he provided money for a tree and small plaque at the park.  Vern stated “Working with Hiley Park not only supported the community but brought great joy to me personally.” 

Melva Hiley Sellers, Dan Hiley’s aunt, often found solace at the little park that was named for her nephew.  When she passed away recently the family asked that memorials be directed to a bench in Hiley Park.  Now she will be forever remembered with her nephew. 

The Future

With the support of both the Kiwanis Club of Glenwood and the City of Glenwood the future for Hiley Park looks bright.  The city provides routine maintenance like mowing and signs directing people to the park.  This is managed by the city park board and its staff.  The Kiwanis Club takes responsibility for capital improvements like playground equipment and basketball hoops.  Former Glenwood Mayor Ron Kohn believes that the partnership is great for everyone with the community benefiting the most.  Current Mayor Angie Winquist concluded that “This partnership appears to have a long and success future”.  Local Kiwanis president-elect Jim Henderson agreed stating “Hiley Park is a great way to support the neighborhood and work with the City of Glenwood.”

Fun Fest

Fun Fest is a community event held to celebrate Hiley park and neighborhood.  It started in 1998 as an ice cream social that was used to survey the neighborhood regarding future needs for the park.  The event is typically held on a Friday evening in the fall.  The current goal is to bring the community together for fun and food.  The Kiwanis Club of Glenwood provides hot dogs, chips, cookies and beverages for the event.  The local Builders Club made up of middle school students provide entertainment.  Parachute games where the highlight of this year’s event.  Fun on the playground equipment and a bounce house also provided entertainment for the evening.  With over 150 people in attendance the night is a huge success every year.

The Kiwanis Club of Glenwood is currently working on making Hiley Park 100% handicap accessible, so that everyone can enjoy the park. To learn more reach out to a club member.