Zearing Economic Development Corporation
Threshold Learning Center
Threshold Learning Center (TLC) is a non-profit, outdoor education/nature center that provides science and nature programs to nearly 1000 students of all ages each year. Currently, they serve schools and communities located in Story, Marshall, Hardin, Hamilton and Polk counties. The addition of a dormitory will enable them to at least double the number of people they serve each year in these communities, as well as reach schools and families from all over the state of Iowa. A barn will be an interesting attraction that will bring schools and visitors to the site out of curiosity. Quality programs, great food and rural Midwest hospitality will keep them coming.
TLC proposes renovating a barn for a dormitory which will house students that come for their overnight programs. It will also be the location of a community theater, nature center and museum on Iowa History. The main level will have eight barn "stalls", each with two bunk beds and a night stand. There will also be a girls bathroom, a boys bathroom, a kitchen and a lounge area on the main level.
Throughout the barn there will be pictures and displays that will depict life in Iowa around the year of 1881, when Zearing was established. Each bedroom will showcase an important person from the surrounding community in the late 1800's. The upper level will be the dining area/dance hall with a kitchenette/bar/serving area on one end. Along the sides of the dining hall will be more hands-on displays on Iowa History, farm life and local wildlife. On the other end of the upper level will be a stage. On weekends, the barn can be rented by visitors for weddings and special events or for an overnight stay. This will bring people from all over to the Zearing community, bringing in new business and helping businesses that are already established.
A barn has been donated to TLC and once it is moved to the site, the group will have several renovations to do before it can be used as a dormitory. First, structural repairs will need to be addressed. Then, construction of a kitchen, two bathrooms and the bedroom "stalls" will begin. These are the most urgent projects that need to be accomplished before anyone can stay in the barn. After that fixing the upper level for a dining room/dance hall with a serving area can be accomplished.
For more information about Threshold Learning Center, their programs and services, or how you can help, please visit their web site at thresholdlearningcenter.org.