Donna Houser, with Iola Community Involvement Task Force, spoke to Iola Kiwanians last week about the CITF fund drive for a splash park along Cottonwood Street, between Buchanan Street and Iola First Baptist Church.
Houser said the group is hoping to raise $200,000 locally, to be matched by grant funds, for a 40-by-60-feet concrete splash park, with water play features and benches. The complex would recycle water, she noted, and buttons would be pushed to start play features and fountains when in use. They would shut off automatically after a time to save water. City park personnel would oversee operation and maintenance.
The Community Development Block Grant period is a year from now, meaning the local monies need to be generated by then, and other grant opportunities are also being researched. Those wishing to donate may do so at City Hall, in care of CITF.
“We’re hoping for next year,” Houser said.
The North Cottonwood location was chosen, Houser said, by a lengthy process of elimination. Riverside Park was first considered but flooding concerns dissuaded that location, as did consideration of Cottonwood Park, on the north side of Buchanan near the pickleball courts. “This was the best place for kids when they don’t want to go down to the swimming pool (in Riverside Park),” she said.
The Iola Kiwanis Club meets weekly, noon Tuesdays, at Allen Community College and welcomes interest in membership. Email [email protected] for more information.
