Doing for others became a theme of Monday’s Iola City Council meeting.
It started with the announcement of a pair of awards by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
First was a Kansas PRIDE Natural Star Capital Award that went to Iola’s Community Involvement Task Force/PRIDE Committee, in recognition of the group’s efforts to build and open a disc golf course in south Iola.
The golf course, explained Barb Anderson, a Kansas Department of Commerce regional project manager, came about after CITF/PRIDE began looking at ways to develop vacated green space following the 2007 flood.
Because the land is in a flood zone, no housing or other structures can be built there, Anderson noted.
With acres of undeveloped green space, CITF/PRIDE began investigating ways to develop its use for recreation.
With the nearby Elm Creek Park South already open, a disc golf course was next on the group’s wish list.
The golf course opened in 2015.
“Although there’s more to do, the course is able to be used,” Anderson said.
NEXT, came a Kansas PRIDE Community Partner Award to Iola City Council member Nancy Ford, a founding CITF/PRIDE member.
Anderson lauded Ford’s volunteerism for wide and varied projects throughout Iola and Allen County.
She used her graphic arts talents to prepare pictures CITF/PRIDE posted around Iola’s courthouse square to identify historic buildings in town.
She assists regularly with Crime Stoppers fundraisers, has been instrumental in helping with the Charley Melvin Mad Bomber Run For Your Life each summer, and spearheaded the effort to open a playground area for special-needs youngsters at Iola’s Riverside Park.
“She’s a caring and helpful person, and always takes care of whatever you need,” Anderson said. “She’s multi-talented, a huge giver and never complains. She’s a perfect candidate for this award.”
Aaron Franklin, another City Council member, echoed Anderson’s praise.
