Pool officials discovered a problem with the pool’s main circulation pump on Tuesday, May 15, and immediately began the search for a solution.  The city is working with multiple sources around the Midwest to solve the problem as quickly as possible.

Recreation Superintendent Doug Bylund said, “The pool is filled with water and looks ready for use.   But the problem is, if that pump isn’t working, we can’t keep the water filtered.  The water will become too cloudy and unsafe for swimming.”

Iowa law states that a pool may not operate unless the water can pass a clarity test.

Bylund said, “We certainly don’t want to delay the opening of the pool any longer than necessary.  We will notify the public through the media as soon as we can offer a safe swimming experience for our patrons.

The city will post updates on its website at  www.indianolaiowa.gov.

The Indianola 4th of July Committee has received a $4,305.00 grant from Warren County Philanthropic Partnership.  Grant funds will help purchase signage, shade canopies and activity equipment for the annual event.

Committee member Glen Cowan said, "We appreciate the Philanthropic Partnership's contribution towards this free community event.  We were pleasantly surprised by the large turnout last year at the first-ever 4th of July celebration in Indianola.  These funds will help us make this year's event even better."


The Warren County Philanthropic Partnership was organized to promote and enhance community based philanthropy in Warren County. The Warren County Philanthropic Partnership recently received a state award to facility endowment building and grantmaking.

The contribution to the foundation was made possible by the Iowa General Assembly. In 2004 the Iowa legislature passed several bills to encourage foundation building and community based philanthropy. Among these measures was H.F. 2032 which provided that non-gambling counties initiating a county-wide community foundation would be eligible to receive one half of one percent of the state's gross gambling tax receipts.

Twenty-one grant applications were received and 9 organizations across Warren County shared int he funding allocations.

Trails have a universal appeal to all ages and are widely used by walkers, strollers, joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, skateboarders and wheelchairs.  Trails benefit everyone, and utility customers of Indianola have the opportunity to voluntarily contribute funds through their utility bill to support the city trails system.  It’s quick and easy to sign up!  Customers may choose to do one or both of these options:

(1)     Round up their bill to the nearest dollar and contribute the extra to trails
OR

(2)     Add a flat dollar amount for trails to their monthly bill (Budget Billing customers, please use this option).

With either option or the combination of both, the amount contributed will be accumulated for the trails system and is tax deductible.

We hope you’ll consider joining others who are contributing to help expand the trails system in our community. 

Click here to sign up online or download a form to print and return to City Hall.

For more information, call the Parks & Rec office at (515) 961-9420.

The results of a community survey regarding Parks & Recreation Needs are now available.
See results here.

A development plan is being completed for Buxton Park, Indianola's first and oldest park. A plan has never been done for the park and will include evaluating current park amenities and condition, existing layout, presentation, garden areas, connections and walkways, additional plantings and improving amenities.  The purpose of the plan is to 1)determine the extent that additional plantings, gardens, features, walkways and art will fit into the park 2) have a plan to follow for current and future renovations 3) have a plan that will help entice and provide more park use and 4) have a plan that will provide an area for community horticulture appreciation and education

 
.Public input is needed and wanted during the planning process. A public input meeting will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pioneer Room of McNeill Hall on the Simpson College campus.  This meeting will provide Indianola area residents the opportunity to provide ideas and suggestions in regards to use and enhancements at Buxton Park.  Indianola residents may also follow the planning process and provide comments and in put via the web  at http://www.civildesignadvantage.com/buxton/ . 

The plan is scheduled to be completed and presented to the city council in March or early April, 2012.

New play equipment is being installed at McCord Park.Neighborhood families selected the type of equipment which is being installed and raised $6,600 towards this $87,000 project.  There will be separate play equipment for ages 2-5 and ages 6-12. The equipment is being placed between shade trees just west of the park shelter and restroom. The equipment installation should be complete in spring of 2012. To see renderings of the play equipment, click below.

McCord Play Equipment.

Phase 1
The Indianola Amphitheater is a first class outdoor facility nestled in the hillside at Memorial Park.  During Phase I of construction of the new facility, a new drainage system was installed.  The all-concrete amphitheater includes a 40 ft diameter round stage and 11'x40' backstage room, as well as concrete entrance & steps, access drive, walkways, handicap wheelchair seating area and handicap access ramp to the stage.  The stage is equipped with a shade canopy and primary electric service (stage outlets). The amphitheater will seat 300-400 persons in its sloped turf areas.

Many partners were involved with Phase 1 funding and construction for which we are very grateful. 
Phase 1 partners include

• Indianola Rotary Club – 126 volunteer hours, $4,029 donation
• Warren County Philanthropic Partnership –  $10,000 Grant  
• Prairie Meadows – $10,000 grant
• Great Places – state of Iowa - $91,000 grant
• CDA (Civil Design Advantage)   donated color rendering
• IMU – electric service into park - $12,470
• City of Indianola - $83,500
• City of Indianola Street Dept – Demolition

Click below for pictures and more information.
Pictures       Features         Reservations

Phase 2
Fundraising is currently taking place for Phase 2 which will include

Electrical Boxes, Outlets and Light Provisions	Concrete Seat Walls – 5
Steps and Walkways to back of amphitheater stage	Irrigation
Concrete Steps & Handrail – north, center, south	Area Lighting
Seed and Sod	Over Story and Ornamental Trees
Landscape Bed & Rain Garden Area	Signage

Cost estimate for Phase 2 is estimated at $280,000 and the goal is to get the fundraising completed and construction started in 2012.

The amphitheater will be a high quality venue which will have all the needed amenities for local, , county and regional events and use.  It will also be a facility that will attract outside live music and drama performances to Indianola.