Park and Rec. Provide Updates on Capital Improvement Projects Amid Rising Costs

Local voices matter. Help us amplify them by contributing to your local newsroom. DECORAH — City officials provided key updates on various capital improvement projects during a meeting on Thursday, February 20, discussing progress on Carlson Park trail development and the Decorah Diamonds project while acknowledging increased costs. Carlson Park Project Moving ForwardThe board noted progress on the Carlson Park trail development project, with ongoing discussions with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). "There's been some back and forth with the DOT, but we're in a good position now," Park and Recreation Director Marc Holtey stated. While initial responses from the DOT indicated a need for more specific details, adjustments have been made to meet requirements. Holtey confirmed that the estimated project cost has increased to $596,878, a rise from previous estimates. Despite the adjustments, the project remains on track, with an anticipated bid approval process in the coming months. "We're tracking the right way on this," City Manager Travis Goedken added. "I'd be hopeful by the next Park Board meeting that we're set to go. We'd have something on the agenda where you guys say, 'yes, let's get this up to bid.'" Once approved by the Park Board, the project would then go on to The Decorah City Council for approval. Decorah Diamonds Project Cost IncreaseThe Dahlen Property Project, now known as "Decorah Diamonds," also saw an increase in estimated costs, now reaching $2.9 million for its first design phase. The rise in expenses is attributed to additional earthwork and modifications in design. "That's gone up about $300,000," Holtey explained. City representatives are working with engineering firm ISG to explore design alternatives that could potentially lower the overall cost. The planned transition from a detention wetland basin to an infiltration basin due to the site's sandy soil conditions also contributed to the changes. Goedken likened the landscape to a sandbox: "Pour a bucket of water on your yard, and then pour a bucket of water in a sandbox. That's the difference. Out there, water is just going to dissipate, so trying to design a wetland just doesn't work out." Despite these financial challenges, the board remains optimistic. "We're looking at some solutions and design variations where we can bring that cost back down," Holtey added. The project includes multiple new ballfields and pickleball courts as recreational additions to the community. Fundraising Efforts and Naming RightsDiscussions also covered fundraising initiatives, including a proposed tier system and sealed bid process for naming rights on the Decorah Diamonds project. The board is considering offering naming rights for the overall complex, individual ballfields, pickleball courts, and potential new scoreboards. "If we don't start high, we don't know what our limitation is," Board Member Zach Kerndt noted, advocating for an ambitious fundraising strategy. "If we don't get a $500,000 donor, that's something to work towards. If we don't get a $250,000 donor for the fields, that's something to work for… What I've found is that if you don't get that donation, put something in that spot that is city-related just to show people what it's going to look like." A proposed structure suggested a $350,000 naming right for the complex for ten years, $250,000 for baseball fields, and $50,000 per pickleball court with the added stipulation that to make the process "fair to everyone," with the rights still be put up for bid. The board also discussed the potential inclusion of a brick paver program for smaller donations. Looking AheadCity officials are working on finalizing project details and fundraising efforts, with further discussions planned. A special meeting is set for March 6 to review and approve the proposed fundraising structure. "We need a clear package before presenting this to the public," Board Member Benji Nichols stated. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.