The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has awarded the City of Newton a $125,000 Resource Enhancement and Protection grant for improvements to Cardinal Pond. The fish-stocked pond is located in the new Arbor Estates subdivision in northeast Newton. 

Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler says the grant money will be used to add an ADA accessible fishing pier to the pond, and begin the creation of walking trails around it. The city is not required to provide any matching funds to get the grant, but there must be a sign at the pond recognizing the financial contribution from the Resource Enhancement and Protection program.

Muckler says the grant requires the city to complete the project in two years. He also says city staff intends to submit an application to the Prairie Meadows Grant program to add other improvements around Cardinal Pond, such as completing the walking paths and adding parking.