**Supported by grants and donations:
2022
MABA added an Easter Egg Hunt this year and a bike rodeo. Grants available for a “Safe Route to School” are being sought in hopes of a better, safer walk for our children. Boehner Pond’s sidewalk was completed and improvements continue. The Trees Forever study was completed by citizens and new ideas for downtown improvements were designed. MABA also helped sponsor a Trunk or Treat with the Park Board and the Malvern Leader for the community.
2021
Continued adding lamp-posts north on main street.
2019
July -installation of the VERY LARGE BIKE at the south end of town and the Vintage sign. A large rock with a subtle happy face was added along with a bench for people on the Wabash Trace.
2018
Eight, new decorative light poles from 5th to 7th Streets and Main Street, a new Malvern entrance sign, and metal tree sculpture at Hwy 34 and 315th Street intersection. Grants from Costello Foundation and Iowa Arts Council; donations from Malvern Bank and MABA
2016: New sidewalks in the business district; renovated decorative Main Street light poles; new directional signage along Main Street and in city parks; development of a Pocket Park; public art including five large metal tree sculptures; one large outdoor mural on Mulholland Grocery building; and a metal sculptured background for Heritage Park performance stage. All public art was created by local artists. Grant from Iowa Arts Council Grant and Malvern Bank donation for downtown beautification
2015: Multi-year grants for multi-phase renovation and restoration of the Liberty Memorial Building interior
2013-2015: Developed a new recreational park with basketball court and playground equipment next to the swimming pool. Costello Foundation grants, in coordination with Park Board
2013: Received a grant and donations for decorative planters for Main Street
2012: Acquired two derelict buildings for a major, multi-year downtown CDBG Downtown Revitalization grant along with other supporting grants, in coordination with the City of Malvern
**Additionally, MABA sponsors an annual high school student scholarship; 4-H trophies for Mills County Fair; Veteran’s Day Dinner in coordination with the local Legion Auxiliary, Memorial Day dinner; annual Back-to-School Teachers and Staff luncheon in coordination with Friends of the Library.
MABA’s Annual fundraising events include Valentine’s Day Dinner, Independence Day Celebration, Wabash Marathon, Lantern Launch and Tree Lighting, Festival of Trees.