Visitors Committee Balances Big Requests, Approves Over $180,000

McCOOK, Neb. — The Red Willow County Visitors Committee worked through a packed agenda Aug. 5, spending more than two hours deciding how to stretch limited tourism dollars across both major projects and smaller community improvements.

The meeting centered on presentations from applicants seeking Improvement Grants.

The largest request came from the City of McCook for the PFC Gerald L. Walters Sports Complex — $250,000 over five years. After discussion about hotel capacity, funding priorities, and the need to keep future budgets flexible, the committee approved $50,000 for this year, with the possibility of additional funding later. That amount matched the $50,000 awarded to Heritage Hills Golf Course for clubhouse renovations.

Other Improvement Grant awards included:

• Indianola Historical Society – $10,000 toward a $35,378.62 Historical Tourism Attraction project in Indianola.

• Indianola Arena Committee – $25,000 toward $43,181.25 for permanent lighting.

• 6th Floor Project – ArtBank – $7,518.75 request for Berlin picnic tables at the ArtBank.

During deliberations, committee members discussed the impact of limited hotel rooms during large events, the role of RV and campground stays, and the importance of pairing grant funding with local fundraising. Several noted the need to reserve funds for future requests and avoid committing too much to multi-year obligations.

The next Visitors Committee meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9, moved from the usual date to avoid the Labor Day holiday.