News

10062025_Grant-Funded Sensory Paths Promote Children’s Health in Black Hawk County

Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10/06/2025

Contact: Black Hawk County Public Health

Phone: 319-291-2413

publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov

Grant-Funded Sensory Paths Promote Children’s Health in Black Hawk County

Promotional graphic from Black Hawk County Public Health announcing grant-funded sensory paths to promote children's health in Black Hawk County. The top section includes the agency's logo, name, announces a press release. The center image shows a photo of a colorful outdoor painted path with a winding blue line, yellow stars, yellow stars, a spaceship, an orange circle with "20," and a "BLAST OFF" graphic. Text at the bottom reads: "BLACK HAWK COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH | Prevent. Promote. Protect."
Sensory path at Family YMCA of Black Hawk County

Black Hawk County Public Health is proud to announce the addition of vibrant sensory paths at several community locations, thanks to grant support from Keep Iowa Beautiful and Diamond Vogel. Their Paint Iowa Beautiful program provides free paint to public service and community betterment projects across Iowa, helping maintain and enhance the appearance of public-facing spaces.

This summer, Black Hawk County Public Health partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley and Family YMCA of Black Hawk County to design and paint sensory paths at each of their locations. These colorful, interactive walkways invite children to participate in movement-based activities that promote gross motor skills and sensory development in a fun and age-appropriate way.

Each site was selected for their vital role in serving families facing economic hardship through year-round childcare and youth services. By integrating sensory paths into these trusted community spaces, the project helps ensure that children across Black Hawk County have access to engaging, health-enhancing environments. The initiative reflects Black Hawk County Public Health’s commitment to creating opportunities for all children to grow healthy and thrive.

Youth at each location helped shape the project’s creative direction, working alongside public health educators and interns to select and personalize space-themed stencils. At the Boys and Girls Club, six teenagers partnered with public health staff to co-design and paint the path, offering a unique opportunity for creative expression and community connection. At the YMCA, younger children helped select stencil designs, while public health staff brought their ideas to life with paint.

“These paths are more than just paint on pavement,” said Alecia Allen, Health Educator at Black Hawk County Public Health. “They’re tools for learning, movement, and fun and a simple way to support healthy development of children in our community. We’re thrilled to bring these interactive spaces to children in our community.”

Organizations interested in using the stencil in public areas of the community are encouraged to contact Black Hawk County Public Health at (319) 291-2413.

Logo for Black Hawk County Public Health
Logo for Paint Iowa Beautiful with large paint brush above smaller logos for Keep Iowa Beautiful, Keep American Beautiful Affiliate and Diamond Vogel

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Black Hawk County Public Health exists to ensure that people in our community have equitable opportunities and resources to lead healthier, more fulfilling, and longer lives. Established in 1969, the health department's mission is to protect people in our community from health hazards, promote healthy behaviors, and prevent disease. Black Hawk County Public Health was accredited by the National Public Health Accreditation Board in 2022. For more information about health department services visit the Black Hawk County