BOONE, Iowa—The City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve creation of a public committee to identify a site for future wellness and recreation facilities.

The idea was proposed by Chad Houston, president of Kruck Heating and Plumbing. City leaders
named Houston as the committee’s chairman.

“I believe the development and construction of enhanced wellness and recreational facilities in the community of Boone is critically important to the quality of life for current and future citizens. It is key to our growth,” Houston told the council. “The initial role of this group would be to go through a formal process of identifying a site for wellness and recreational facilities that would serve the community now and in the future.”

Citizen committee members are Marjie Duysen, Denny Hamman, and Curt Nystrom. Other members are Councilmember Eli Stines; Nic Fontanini representing Fareway Stores, Inc., Nate Nerem representing the Boone County Economic Growth Corp., Boone County Supervisor Shawn Bryant, Boone Park Board member Amy Landus, and Boone Community School District board member Jeremy Pritchard.

City administrator Bill Skare and Ames Economic Development Corp senior vice president Brenda Dryer will serve as non-voting advisory members.

“This group can be expanded as we move through future phases of brining enhanced wellness and recreation facilities to reality in Boone,” Houston said. “I’d also like to include a Boone EDGE student as part of the (committee). We would work with the school to identify a sophomore or junior to serve in this role.”

(contributed press release, City of Boone)