BOONE, Iowa—Members of the Park Commission held two public hearings on Thursday to receive public input
on a new 10-year plan for the Boone’s parks system.
All members of the community are invited to a third and final meeting, which will take place at
6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Boone Parks Department office at 724 Lincoln Ave., to provide input on
what they would like to see included in the new plan.
At the Thursday morning session, commissioners Kevin Pearson and John Niemant asked a
group of citizens a series of questions ranging from their greatest concerns about the parks and
which ones they use the most to what improvements they’d like to see and whether they might
support a bond referendum to finance them. Other questions focused on whether there would be
interest in another slide or lazy river feature at the Municipal Pool, a splash pad in McHose Park
or a different park, and whether trails in McHose and Herman parks should be extended and
connected.
One woman said her main concern is that playground equipment is maintained so that it’s always
safe and operational for children. A woman who frequently hikes in the city’s parks expressed
concerns about trails that need more upkeep, including repairing stairs on a McHose Park trail
and raising low spots where flooding occurs on that trail and on a trail in another park.
An enthusiastic disc golf player who has played on and studied other communities’ courses noted
that a deliberate plan to improve the McHose Park disc golf course could turn it into a “destination
instead of just an afterthought. “The course is so unique in its topography that it can be really
good, and I just don’t think that the city understands what it can bring to the city,” he said.
Another idea: the development of at least one more pickleball court.
Several citizens suggested that volunteer groups could be formed to complement the parks
department’s four-person staff and that neighborhoods closest to each of the city’s 17 parks could
be organized through a retooled adopt-a-park program. Annual celebrations could be held at each
park to create greater recognition and appreciation for the time, energy and money invested in
their upkeep and improvement.
Another suggestion was a more concerted and user-friendly online presence to let the public know
about the availability of cabin rentals, services and upcoming events, allow people to report
maintenance needs, and even document where volunteers pick up trash so that other volunteers
will focus their efforts on other areas. “We need to do more to encourage people to rent (the
facilities) that we put money into,” said the woman who frequently hikes the parks.
She also urged the commission to develop signage that informs the public about various parks’
assets and features. “As a city, I wish we were more friendly and welcoming,” she added.
Asked about interest in the creation of a downtown park, several citizens suggested the city could
develop the former Fareway site at Seventh and Story streets as a gathering place for events
such as the farmers market.
(contributed press release, City of Boone)
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