Harmony Garden Project

An invigorating Harmony Garden project is scheduled to begin in 2023 on the Storm Lake Public Library/Witter Gallery grounds. 

The City is receiving a T-Mobile Hometown Grant that will provide seven outdoor musical instruments, game tables, accessible benches and outdoor charging stations for laptops and cell phones. Storm Lake is one of 25 communities in the country to earn the T-Mobile grant, out of more than 400 applicants for the funding cycle.

The project will revitalize a little-used downtown courtyard covered in worn concrete into a parklike setting featuring the colorful outdoor musical pieces for enjoyment by people of all ages. These instruments are drawn from multiple cultures – such as samba drums, calypso chimes and a cavatina. In one of the country’s most ethnically diverse small cities, music is a common language.

The project will bring synergy to the site, a cultural center of Storm Lake – with literature, visual arts and music all housed together, Mayor Mike Porsch said in announcing the project in December 2022. The project is envisioned to inspire the community’s creativity for years to come.

The City hopes to continue the development of the library/Witter Gallery grounds in the future as funding is available, with covered seating and an outdoor deck for classes or performances, Mayor Porsch said. Environmentally-correct xeriscaping and butterfly gardens add a green element.

The five-year, $25 million T-Mobile national commitment is aimed at helping communities create innovative gathering spaces. 

T-Mobile has now awarded 150 grants totaling $6.8 million. "Hometown Grants are truly making a difference in small towns," said Jon Freier, President, Consumer Group at T-Mobile. "It’s been humbling to see T-Mobile creating a positive lasting impact in communities both through our grant funding and giving back to small businesses all over the country."