Hurd Visionaries: A World-Class City
“A reminder that we are all responsible for the smallest living thing.” – Dave Hurd
Hurd’s Visionaries
David Hurd’s vision for Des Moines helped to shape our community over the last 50 years. David served as an Honorary Co-Chairperson of this effort, sharing his wisdom and insight with our team. Hurd’s Visionaries are a recognized group of donors pledging $10,000 or more to this campaign. Donors at this level will receive a one-of-a-kind lapel pin, similar to those Dave wore, as an outward symbol of their support of the Foundation and their love and respect for a trusted community leader.
Why a Lapel Pin
David Hurd was known for wearing interesting lapel pins. He wore them to quietly engage in conversation about the environment. When asked about a pin, he would say, “It’s just a reminder that we are all responsible for the smallest living thing.”
When you wear your new Hurd Visionaries: a World Class City pin, you can start conversations by telling about this generous city father who believed in what we could accomplish together and encouraging others to decide what they could do.
Pin Designer: Ann Au
Meaning Behind the Design
The pin visually represents an individual’s commitment to Water Works Park Foundation’s principles of integrating education, conservation, and recreation/health to engage park users in the story of clean water.
- The “ladder” to the right represents progress, ascension, and spiritual connection: the connection of humankind with nature, the progress being made by this park’s transformation, and the ascension of this beautiful and diverse park.
- The ladder spells an “H”, an “H” to honor Water Works Park friend and visionary David Hurd. David always worked onward and upward to move his community forward.
- The gold “rung” implies sophistication and elegance, two words that could easily describe David.
- The rippled silver on the left side of the brooch represents water: water, the source of life. The Taoists viewed it as a source of higher wisdom; to the Greeks, it represented a metamorphosis and philosophical recycling. This project will engage the community in the discussion of improving life through education and recreation, focusing on our life source, water.
- The gold square finishes the visual imagery, showcasing the new Water Works Park Foundation Logo and reinforcing the Foundation’s mission. Creating this visual commitment and a public thank you to those individuals is an honor.