Geitel Winakor, a retired ISU professor, left a bequest of $1.6 million to the Ames Parks and Recreation Department, according to a news release.

Winakor died this past August 15.

“Dr. Winakor left an incredibly generous gift to the Parks and Recreation Department, and we are most appreciative,” said City Manger Steve Schainker, in the news release.

Nancy Carroll, director of parks and recreation, said in the release Winakor’s generosity towards the Parks and Recreation Department throughout the past decade was quiet and always behind-the-scenes.