Warren County’s proposal embodies the unique features and amenities that make Warren County a Great Place.  The lush, natural setting of the Scotch Ridge area is ecologically rich and will be an educational resource to visitors and users of the proposed Scotch Ridge Trail – a trail segment which will ultimately connect to the Principal Riverwalk in downtown Des Moines. The redesign of Indianola’s Memorial Park Amphitheatre will address accessibility and maintenance issues while revitalizing a key civic and cultural space in that community. Additionally, a permanent stage for the Balloon Classic field will provide a venue for large concerts and performances while the expansion of the National Balloon Museum will create a small theatre and expanded gift shop for museum visitors.  Furthermore, the addition and remodeling of the Blank Performing Arts Center will expand the capacity of the venue that hosts the Des Moines Metropolitan Opera and numerous university performances each year.