Decorah City Manager Asks County to Support $3.2M Athletic Complex

Act now—your donation to local news ensures a brighter, more informed tomorrow. DECORAH — With direction from the Decorah City Council, Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken asked the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on Monday to contribute $500,000 toward the city's planned athletic complex, citing both community benefit and increased competitiveness for state grant funding. Goedken, addressing the board in a public meeting, said the city has already committed nearly $3.1 million in local funds and has secured an additional $462,000 through private fundraising. However, he said the project still faces a funding gap. "Our ask of the county is to consider contributing to this project in the amount of $500,000," Goedken said. "There's no doubt that this project is going to benefit the entire community, the entire county, not just the city of Decorah." He emphasized that while a majority of users would likely be city residents, 38% of the current city's recreation program participants are rural Winneshiek County residents. The proposed complex, which is currently out for bid, includes two 280-foot baseball fields, eight pickleball courts, parking, sidewalks, and stormwater detention features. The stormwater component alone accounts for about $400,000 of the estimated construction costs. Goedken said the county's support would not only serve its own residents but also strengthen the city's application for a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant from the state. "That CAT grant application requires broad community support, including city contribution, county contribution, and private funding," Goedken said. "With the county's participation, it'll help us in our application." The total build-out of the complex, including two additional ball fields, expanded parking, and a combined restroom/concession stand that would also serve as a storm shelter, is estimated at nearly $8 million. Goedken said the base bid includes infrastructure to accommodate future lighting and expansion, depending on available funding. Some supervisors raised concerns about equity across the county, questioning how to justify the request to smaller cities also seeking funds for their own recreation facilities. Supervisor Steve Kelsay asked how Goedken would respond to other incorporated cities in the county who might ask, "Why are you giving adequate funds to Decorah and not to us?" Goedken acknowledged the concern and pointed to the city's role in generating local option sales tax revenue. "You'll be hard-pressed to argue that Decorah is not the lead generator in this county," he said, adding that those tax revenues are redistributed to municipalities on a per capita basis. Goedken also cited the broader economic development impact, particularly from weekend baseball tournaments that bring in visitors for lodging, dining and shopping. The board did not take action on the funding request during the meeting. Knowledge is power! Stay empowered by subscribing to the free newsletter, packed with valuable insights, stories of local newsmakers and ideas to get your weekend started.