The Donna Houser Family Splash Pad in Iola’s Meadowbrook Park has proven so popular, city administrators are already developing plans to accommodate the scores of children who are now enjoying the new water feature.
“Big picture: restrooms, parking and shade,” said City Administrator Matt Rehder at Monday’s city council meeting.
“The first step was just to get it out there and see what the response was, and it’s been fantastic,” Rehder said.
Corey Schinstock, assistant city adminstator, noted a sewer line is in close proximity to the splash pad, making the installation of a restroom relatively simple.
Between the pickleball courts and the splash pad, Meadowbrook Park has become a popular destination. Vehicles currently park along the curb on both sides, often obstructing visibility and making for a narrow roadway along Buchanan Street.
Both Schinstock and Mayor Steve French agreed additional parking is needed.
Space is available to create 10-15 parking spaces perpendicular to the street, Schinstock told the Register.
Overall, the Council seemed thrilled by the splash pad’s popularity.
“I see kids out there all the time,” said Council member Jon Wells. “I think it was a great project for us, and I’m really glad we got this up and running. Thank you, Donna, for all your hard work.”
SCHINSTOCK also detailed progress on the U.S. 54 rebuild. Moving forward, he said, he’ll provide regular updates to the Council.
“I’ll caution you on the information I give, as it tends to change quickly and pretty frequently, just depending on the weather and how the project’s going,” Schinstock said.
“Right now, they’re excavating the north side of Madison from Sonic Drive-In to Buckeye. That first phase should be done by the first or second week of August,” Schinstock said. “Then, with any luck, we’ll be done completely with the south side by Farm City Days.”
The rains may have slowed down crews a bit, he admitted, but there’s still enough to do that crews “can jump around” and complete other tasks.
The $19 million project, which also includes $4 million for a complete replacement of the water line along the rebuild route, has a lot of moving parts, Schinstock said. City electric and water crews, along with crews for the water and road project, make for a hectic environment.
Council member Kim Peterson alluded to the confusion. “Sometimes I don’t even know what lane I’m supposed to be in,” she said with a laugh.
Schinstock said he gets daily phone calls from the contractor, Bettis Asphalt. He also informed the Council about Tuesday morning’s meeting with business owners along the 54 corridor. (A full report of that meeting will be in Thursday’s paper.)
