We are entering the final phase of construction on the trailhead for the Southtown Recreational Area. Upon completion, this area will include public amenities for our community on 119+ acres of publicly accessible recreational land.

We will look to do a ribbon cutting in October to formally thank and acknowledge those groups that have played a key part in the Southtown Recreational Area and present the project to the public.

• Dog Park: The final fencing is currently being installed. In late September we will look to install the dog amenities. The finished product will be a 2+ acre space with space for small and large dogs.

• Disc Golf: Available to the public is a 9-hole disc golf course that begins at the corner of 133rd and Nutmeg. Parking is available at the corner of 133rd Street and Nutmeg Avenue. Course map can be downloaded from the city website and in October signage will be installed with an online QR code for digital scorecard access.

• Splash Pad: The epoxy surfacing has been completed and the splash pad installation is nearing completion with the system testing and controls brought online the week of Sept. 16.

• Playground Equipment: On Tuesday the poured-in-place surfacing will be completed. We are waiting for the installation of a transitional decking ramp and safety rail before making the space and equipment available for public use.

• Natursescape Playground: This fall we will begin working on installing the naturescape playground just south of the new playground equipment and splash pad in the oak savanna. This area will be a mix of site-appropriate recreational playground equipment.

• Public Restroom Facilities: We have hit the 75% completion phase on the public restroom facility. When completed the facility will have a wash station, men’s and women’s restrooms, and two family restrooms. The lower-level plaza will have public picnic tables and seating overlooking the dog parks.

• Trails: Currently there are roughly two miles of recreational trails accessible to the public from the main trailhead. Washington County Conservation has been opening and maintaining new trails. As we make trails accessible, we will update the trail map on the city website and signage will be updated. We will utilize QR codes for the public to get the most accurate trail maps.

• Soccer / Multi-Purpose Fields: Along 133rd just east of the dog park we will be installing two large athletic fields that will become an area for both soccer and multi-purpose activities.

• Land Management: In 2022 the city partnered with Washington County Conservation to assist with our land management. We are excited about this opportunity to work with Washington County Conservation to help manage and enhance our public land and increase its usability over time.

As amenities are made publicly available before a formal opening, we will provide updates on Facebook and the City's website.

Kalona Fall Festival

The Kalona Historical Village staff, board, and volunteers have been working hard getting ready for this year’s annual Kalona Fall Festival which is coming up on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28.

This year the Village will be showcasing the “Depot Project” that is well underway. With the help of Washington County Riverboat Funding, this project has allowed a railcar to be brought in and set up on the south side of Kalona’s original depot building. Decking has also been installed around the Depot, which reflects the original deck from over a century ago.

While the project will not be 100% complete with exhibits and internal finishes by the time of the festival, it will hopefully give the public a glimpse of what will be an exciting new historical exhibit that will continue to save and honor Kalona’s past.

For a full list of Fall Festival events and times please visit the Village website at https://kalonaiowa.org/.

Kalona Community Awards

Since 2012 the City has been honoring those individuals and groups that have positively impacted our community. This year, we will be honoring four individuals/groups with 2024 Kalona Community Awards.

The week of Sept. 23, The News will send out to all Kalona residents a copy of The News. It will have a full page with bios on this year’s community awards winners and the positive impact that they’ve had on our community.

On Saturday, Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. on the main stage at the Fall Festival, we will be formally acknowledging this year’s recipients. They will be presented with a personalized clock on behalf of the City.

Yard Waste and Fall Curbside Bag Pickup

The City will continue to provide yard waste bags for residents to use for their leaves, grass, and garden debris. We will begin providing curbside pick-up on Tuesdays, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 26. All bags must be in the city right of way by 7:00 am, the day of pick up. This does not include pickup for any sticks/tree trimmings that would need to be taken to the brush pile at the city shop.

All organic material being dumped and or left for curbside pick-up must be in an organic compostable bag (no sticks are allowed to be in bags for pickup). Bags can be picked up at City Hall during normal business hours and in the YMCA during the weekend and evening hours.

Residents can drop yard waste in compostable bags at the city shop at 711 A Avenue in the compost dumpster. Please consult the City website for hours of yard waste bin availability.

Regulated Burning Regulations

Residents are allowed to burn in the fall, for the months of October and November, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

If residents have any questions on what can and can’t be burned, please consult the City website, where a link to chapter 105.05 “Open Burning Restricted” ordinance can be found.

Fall City Clean-Up

Our annual fall City clean-up day is scheduled for Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the City shop at 711 A Avenue. Dumpsters will be provided on site, and residents will be responsible for unloading all items.

A full list of allowable items will be posted on the city website closer to the event.

Comprehensive Plan

The public has done a great job sharing their thoughts for Kalona for the next 10 years. Our goal is to continue to engage stakeholder groups such as Planning and Zoning and Parks and Recreation, along with public groups, with the goal of presenting the comprehensive plan to the public in early 2025.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Training

On Oct. 2-4 the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a regional K-9 training program in Washington County with fourteen K-9 units throughout Iowa and southern Minnesota participating.

During these training times, the public may see multiple law enforcement units training in Kalona and surrounding communities utilizing buildings, parks, woodlands, and prairie land.

As always thank you for your time and if you have any questions, please call city hall at 319-656-2310 or rschlabaugh@cityofkalona.org.