KALONA
A watermain leak on F Avenue has been repaired, two fire hydrants were recently replaced, and the DOT approved the city for a few speed feedback signs on Hwy 22. That’s interesting stuff, …
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KALONA
A watermain leak on F Avenue has been repaired, two fire hydrants were recently replaced, and the DOT approved the city for a few speed feedback signs on Hwy 22. That’s interesting stuff, but it doesn’t compare to Kalona’s plans for Vista Ridge Park, the new trailhead project planned for the Southtown Recreation Area, which took center stage Wednesday night at the City Council’s regular meeting.
Jake Huck, Project Engineer with MSA Professional Services, was in attendance on Jan. 3 to review plans for the trailhead before the council set bid opening. While the council viewed illustrations, City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh described the five major features that the city plans to see constructed in 2024.
The first is a dog park, which will have two sections, one for small dogs and one for large. It will include a water feature, seating areas, and wooden features to be created with the help of students from Hillcrest Academy and Mid-Prairie. Dual entrances, a dog wash station, and disposal bags round out the amenities at this ADA-compliant area.
The second is an accessible playground, the trailhead’s “signature piece,” which includes two towers, 14-feet and 16-feet high, and poured-in-place rubberized surfacing.
“This is a really neat piece that will be very much enjoyed by a lot of different age groups,” Schlabaugh said. “There’s been a lot of thought put into it. The Parks and Rec board, Heather [Trimpe, Deputy Clerk] and Sarah [Chmelar, City Clerk] have done a lot of work to get this [design].”
An oval splash pad is the third feature; a slide will be its focal point, which includes stairs and a waterfall. Above-ground water features and surface sprays can be activated by the users; the programming is customizable by the city and can be adjusted based on community feedback, and additional water features can be added in the future if desired.
ADA-compliant public restrooms are the fourth feature on the list slated for 2024 construction; facilities for men, women, and two family-friendly restrooms will be a part of this structure, along with a rinsing and cleaning station. Lower-level storage with a roll-up door will be incorporated into the design; the structure will be constructed to standards for seasonal (non-winter) use.
The final feature includes paved trails and a naturescape. The trail work was completed in late 2023; the naturescape will include landscaping and blockwork that will complement the existing Southtown entryway.
The council approved the setting of bid opening for Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. at Kalona City Hall.
The project has an estimated cost of $2.4 to $2.6 million. Once bids come in and are reviewed, the city will look at funding sources; it is hoped that Destination Iowa and Enhance Iowa grants can be secured to cover part of the cost. As for the remainder, “We’ll look at a mix of Local Option Sales Tax, WCRF funds, a WCRF grant that we’ve received for just shy of $600,000, [and] General Obligation bonding through Local Option Sales Tax,” Schlabaugh said.
Construction work could begin as soon as the weather clears in early spring.
“This is a super exciting project and awesome park,” Huck said. “There’s going to be a lot of reasons for residents to make the short jaunt out there to this park. These are going to be some very neat features and an awesome place to use them.”
“We do want the best city park for a community our size in the State of Iowa,” Schlabaugh said. “This will be a draw for a lot of different areas.”
Other business
In other business, the council acknowledged the receipt of $53,631.03 in fourth quarter municipal grant funds from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF). The city will send a letter thanking them for their commitment.
The council approved the appointment of members and commissioners to public committees, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Tax Increment Finance Board, Building Code Board of Appeals, Parks and Recreation Board, and Library Board of Trustees.
The council also approved their assignments to committees and the appointment of Janelle Bender as Mayor Pro Tem. The council approved The News as the official newspaper of the City of Kalona; Washington County Public Health as the city’s Health Officer; and William J. Sueppel as City Attorney.
As the Iowa caucuses will be held on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m., the council agreed to move up the time of their next meeting to accommodate them. The Kalona City Council will next meet on Monday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
