HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
5:30 p.m. • '
Lower City Park— Park Shelter#6 CITY of Iowa CITY
200 E Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52246
Public Comment for each item will be limited to 3 minutes for each person and a total for no more than 30
minutes per item. Written comments submitted to parksandrecreation@iowa-city.orq, prior to 4 p.m. on
Monday,August 11, 2025, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF JULY 9, 2025, MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The Commission cannot engage in discussion or debate. However, once the
commenter has left the stand, the Commission may ask staff to respond to
a concern or question posed by the public, or to follow up with the speaker.
ITEM 4 CITY PARK SHELTER RENOVATION PROJECT—Consultant Eric Hornig;
Hitchcock Design
ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks and Recreation Director—Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Parks and Forestry Superintendent—Tyler Baird
ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 8 ADJOURN
If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please contact
Gabe Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 or ggotera@iowa-city.org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES OF DULY 9, 2025
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER—MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Connie Moore, Brian Morelli, Michael Gaunt, Virginia Hayes, Jeff
Mallory, Rachel McPherson, Caleb Recker,Alex Stanton
Members Absent: Missie Forbes
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: Anne Jensen
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Mallory, seconded by Morelli, to approve the May 12, 2025, minutes. Motion
passed 8-0 (Forbes absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
2026-2031 PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UPDATE—
Parks and Recreation Dir. Juli Seydell Johnson
Dir. Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint, Capitol Projects Update.
Vice Chair Morelli, regarding the City Park Pool project, asks how late into the year will crews
be able to work?Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that the answer would be dependent on weather
conditions. The plan is for the crews to get the bathhouse exterior built, then work on the interior
during the winter, allowing them to work throughout the year. Seydell Johnson expects for most
of the cement for the pool to be poured during fall 2025.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 9,2025
Page 2 of 8
Commissioner Stanton, regarding the set of park projects currently in progress, asks what will
happen if the contractors haven't finished the projects by the late September deadline. Dir.
Seydell Johnson explains that crews wouldn't be able to work over the winter, and staff would
have to either rebid for a new contractor or do more of the work internally. Commissioner
McPherson asks if this specific contractor had been used before for past projects? Seydell
Johnson responds that the general contractor has not been used before,but that the subcontractor
has been contracted many times.
Commissioner Recker,regarding the roof repairs of the Mercer Park Aquatic Center natatorium,
asks how much was the final bid approved for by City Council? Dir. Seydell Johnson says that
she is does not know the exact number but that she can get back to him with the amount.
Vice Chair Morelli, regarding a set of projects at the Senior Center,Animal Shelter, Fire Station,
and City Hall, asks why these projects would fall under the Parks and Recreation Department?
Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that the department handles facility management for the city
including the custodial and maintenance tasks for the buildings that Morelli referred to. Seydell
Johnson clarifies that the actual budgets for the Capital Improvement Projects are not from Parks
and Recreation, and that they projects show up on the list because Parks and Recreation staff
manage the facilities.
Commissioner Stanton,regarding the Senior Center Exterior Doors &Windows project, asks if
the Senior Center will be required to close at any point?Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that any
closures of the entrances would be in stages and only for a day or two occasionally.
Commissioner Recker,regarding the Napoleon Softball Fields 5-8 Renovations project, asks if
the project is in relations to the dugouts and back stops. Supt. Baird explains that the project
improvements will include adding back stops, re-grading the infields and outfields, adding
drainage, and fixing ADA access on the paths.
Commissioner Recker, regarding the Carson Lake Park Retention Basin project, asks if the
project is funded by the Parks and Recreation budget?Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that the
project is managed by the Engineering department, but that the facility will eventually become
part of the Parks and Recreation department after completion, akin to the Terry Trueblood
Recreation Area.
Commissioner Hayes, regarding the Carson Lake Park Rendition Basin project and the Palisades
Park Development project, asks where are these areas located? Supt. Baird describes Carson
Lake as being on the far-west side of Iowa City,north of the Iowa City Menards, west of
Highway 218, and south of Rohret Rd. Baird describes the Palisades Park Development as being
in the Palisades subdivision, behind the Hy-Vee on North Dodge St.
Commissioner McPherson, regarding the Cemetery Columbarium Expansion project, asks if this
implies that the Cemetery land will be expanded. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that a
columbarium is a wall where cremains are interred. Currently, there are a couple columbaria in
the cemetery and the project would expand or build another structure for people to place
cremains.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 9, 2025
Page 3 of 8
Commissioner Mallory asks if the Indoor Pool UV Disinfectant Systems project is for both
indoor pools at the Robert A. Lee Rec Center and the Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Dir. Seydell
Johnson confirms that the project would install UV disinfectant systems at both indoor pools.
Commissioner McPherson, regarding the Mercer Lobby& Classroom Roof Repairs project, asks
if the roof at Mercer is more in need of repair than the roof at Robert A. Lee?Dir. Seydell
Johnson confirms that the roof at Mercer is in more need of repair than at other facilities.
Commissioner Recker,regarding the Park Paving Improvements project, asks what kind of
surfacing is at Scott Park? Dir. Seydell Johnsons explains that section of paths near Rita's Ranch
dog park is paved,while the rest of the park is closer to a gravel seal coat. Recker asks if the seal
coat would be getting reapplied? Seydell Johnson responds that the rest of the park would be
getting paved with the CIP project
Vice Chair Morelli, regarding the Hickory Hill Park New Scott Boulevard Entrance project, asks
how much more use is staff expecting from having new entrances to the park? Dir. Seydell
Johnson expects usage to come from the nearby housing being developed near the proposed
entrance. It would also benefit from having a larger space for parking than at other entrances.
Supt. Baird add that it would be seen as an accessible entrance for regional visitors, as the
entrances beyond 1st Ave are difficult to find unless you are already familiar with the area.
Commission Mallory asks about the 2016 Parks Masterplan as he was under the impression that
there was a more recent 2022 Masterplan. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that the 2022 masterplan
was the Recreation Masterplan. The 2016 Parks Masterplan looked at the active areas of the park
system, followed closely by a 2017 Natural Areas Plan, a 2019 Tree Inventory, and the 2022
Recreation Program and Facility Masterplan. Seydell Johnson says that some municipalities will
combine all four of these documents into one plan, while Iowa City instead has four separate
major planning documents.
Chair Moore, refers to the H2O boat rental building at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area(TTRA)
and asks what is the expected future of kayaking at Sand Lake and can staff do anything to help
raise the water level? Dir. Seydell Johnon responds that staff are unable to fill the lake
themselves. Staff have been waiting to see if the lake would refill naturally before allowing boat
rentals, but now it's looking uncertain if kayaking will be possible again. Staff have discussed, if
kayaking is not an option, could the building be used as a recreational programming space?
Seydell Johnson says that there is not enough traffic on the trails to warrant it being a concession
stand on its own.
On the topic of water levels, Dir. Seydell Johnson acknowledges that staff has received many
calls regarding the pond at Thornberry Dog Park. The pond at Thomberry has been closed for
some time due to low water levels. Seydell Johnson explains that the pond must be raised
naturally and cannot be refilled by staff.
Commissioner McPherson has heard public feedback regarding the Riverside Festival Stage in
Lower City Park. McPherson explains that patrons have complained about the volume of birds
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 9,2025
Page 4 of 8
sitting on/near the festival stage and asks if there is anything to do to prevent the birds from
sitting near the stage. Dir. Seydell Johnson recommends having Riverside Theater reach out to
her and notes that there are no further renovations on the stage planned at this time.
Commissioner Recker asks if Capital Improvement Projects are prioritized at the discretion of
staff or via public input? Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that most of the projects presented were
based on the master plans, which had lots of public input in 2016. Every year since then, staff
asses the state of the various facilities to determine if certain projects need to be moved forward
to a sooner year(i.e. Moving a project forward due to more damage in the park shelters than
originally anticipated). It would then be up to staff discretion if a project is to be moved up in the
timeline. Seydell Johnson describes the master plans as a baseline,which is typically adjusted
according to available budgets across all city departments. For example, a large road-project
might take a higher percentage of funds in one year compared to the next.
REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Parks and Recreation Director—Juli Seydell Johnson
IA Open Meeting Law: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the State of Iowa has recently
changed open meeting laws to include new trainings and penalties for all appointed to city
boards and commissions. The penalties regarding the discussion of city business outside of
public meetings has been substantially increased. The new trainings, to be required of all elected
and appointed officials, will be further explained as a future agenda item and any future
commissioners will go through the training during their onboarding process.
Local Option Sales and Service Tax (LOSST): Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that City Council is
considering a public vote on a LOSST expected for Fall 2025. The LOSST is a sales tax with the
exact percentages being worked out. Current expectations see approximately 10% of the money
collected going towards public infrastructure including park projects. 50% of the sales tax would
go towards property tax relief.A portion of the sales tax would go towards affordable housing
and nonprofit partner organizations. Seydell Johnson expects for more information to be
presented to the Commission over the next several months, specifically from a member of the
City Manager's office.
Iowa Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA): Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the IPRA,
an association that some department staff belong to, has recently changed their enrollment
policies, allowing the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department a larger agency membership.
This would allow all department staff and commission members to be members of IPRA.
Commissioner Mallory encourages the Commission to attend the annual IPRA conference.
Mallory recently attended the 2025 conference in Coralville, IA and appreciated seeing the
vendors, presentations, and finding lots of information on the happenings of Parks and
Recreation. Supt. Baird says that the 2026 conference will be hosted in Sioux City before coming
back to eastern Iowa in 2027.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 9,2025
Page 5 of 8
Recreation Superintendent—Brad Barker
Mercer Park Aquatic Center Roof Replacement: Supt. Barker announces that the Mercer Park
Aquatic Center(MPAC) roof replacement project had its bid approved at the 7/8/25 City Council
meeting. The temporary closure of the MPAC pool is expected for August 4—September 8,
2025. Barker explains that the hot sunny days of August make good conditions for roofing
projects. Barker says that the main challenge is that both MPAC pool and City Park Pool will be
closed, leaving only Robert A. Lee (RAL)pool open.Another factor are the different groups that
utilize MPAC pool including the City High team, the Southwest Junior High team, and the Iowa
City Eels swim club. With the swim team season starting on August 11, 2025, staff have already
informed the swim clubs about the expected closure. Due to public consideration, the Recreation
division is looking at how RAL pool can be used to accommodate for all the listed groups
including the public and what operation hours would be necessary for such accommodations.
Recreation Staff and Programing: Supt. Barker says that later in the week, interviews for the
STEAM/Arts Recreation Program Supervisor position will be conducted. This position has been
vacant since January 2025 but was recently approved to begin the hiring process.
Supt. Barker announces that the pottery program has recently received two new kilns. The kilns
were installed in the RAL Potter's Studio by Government Building staff, replacing the two older
kilns.
Supt. Barker says that the summer camp program is going well. There are 30 children enrolled in
the program, which is on week three of eight. The summer camp is operating out of the Mercer
Park Aquatic Center.
Supt. Barker announces that there is a new intern working over the summer in the Adaptive and
Inclusive Recreation(AIR)program. The intern is a therapeutic recreation student with the
University of Iowa and has been helping with inclusive aid assistance at the summer camp.
Supt. Barker describes the following group collaborations that the Recreation Division has been
involved with since the start of the summer:
- Staff were involved with the Juneteenth Celebration in the South District.
- Staff assisted with the Arts Festival that took place in early June.
- Staff provided strider bikes,pedal cars, and assisted the roller derby team with roller
skating at the Downtown District Block Parry.
Commissioner McPherson asks for the title of the position that is being hired. Supt. Barker
responds that the position is a Recreation Program Supervisor, with an area of concentration in
STEAM, arts,Nature Education, and Camps. McPherson asks Barker to elaborate on what
STEAM is. Barker explains that STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering,Arts, and
Mathematics.
Commissioner Stanton asks,when City Park Pool reopens, is it expected for the summer camp
program to return to the Ashton House? Supt. Barker responds that the program could potentially
move to City Park, clarifying that the Ashton House is not an option as it is used primarily for
AIR programming. City Park Pool will have a community space in the bath house that has
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 9,2025
Page 6 of 8
potential to be used for summer camp. Barker adds that this community space is expected to be
used as rentals for the public.
Commissioner Mallory explains that he had read in the city budget that there were only going to
be two new hires in FY26 and asks, how is Recreation able to hire the new program supervisor?
Supt. Barker explains that the new hire is a replacement of vacant position instead of a brand-
new position.
Commissioner Recker asks when the anticipated completion date of the school district softball
field at Mercer Park is. Supt. Baird explains that the final completion is expected by spring 2026,
but that contractors are working to have as much completed as possible by fall 2025. Baird adds
that if the turf is established by the fall, then it would be grown by the time practices begin in the
spring. Recker asks for confirmation that the first practices would be in spring. Baird responds
that that is the plan should everything stay on schedule. Baird adds that school district is taking
the lead on the project as the bulk of it is their work, clarifying that they would have more
precise information on the topic.
Parks and Forestry Superintendent—Tyler Baird
Summer Maintenance: Supt. Baird says that the grass is still green across the city, explaining that
it is rare for the grass to not be dormant by mid-July. Considering the amount of equipment that
needs replacement, staff are working hard to keep on top of the grass mowed.
Supt. Baird says that there will be playground installations happening in Lower City Park and at
Adelaide Joy Rogers Park. Parks staff will be installing both playgrounds and have been
coordinating with the contractor that is working on the rest of Adeliade Joy Rogers Park to
determine which playground will be installed first. Baird explains that the playground being
installed in Lower City Park is the playground that was removed from Upper City Park.
Staffing: Supt. Baird says that the division has recently been short on staffing due to positions
that were on injury or light duty impacting the work across the board. Baird announces that
applications closed for an open position of Forestry Maintenance Worker 1. Baird says that there
was a high number of applications with a strong application pool. Staff are hoping to get the
position filled fast and have the new employee through onboarding quickly.
CHAIRS REPORT
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner McPherson says that she has been approached by five parents over the last few
months, asking for more toddler equipment in the parks. McPherson asks that staff keep this in
mind as parks renovations continue.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 9, 2025
Page 7 of 8
Commissioner Stanton thanks Parks and Recreation staff for the help and presence at events
downtown. Stanton appreciates the work done to bring stuff for kids to do as attendees.
Commissioner Mallory suggests to his fellow Commissions to read through the city budget,
noting that the City Manager's overview of the next three to four years is very sobering. Dir.
Seydell Johnson explains where on the Finance Department's website to find both the budget and
the City Manager's presentation on the topic.
Chair Moore revisits a point of discussion from the May 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting, voicing interest in interpretive signs at both James Alan McPherson Park and Adelaide
Joy Rogers Park to explain their namesake. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that this is already the plan
for at least James Alan McPherson Park.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Moore adjourns the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 9,2025
Page 8 of 8
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
N N N N N N N N N N N N
NAME o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N N N N N N N N N N N N
TERM N N o,
EXPIRES ~
00 01 O � N �--I N M d' t!i � r-
Missie 12/31/25 O/E X NM O/E NM X NM X X X NM O/E
Forbes
Michael 12/31/28 * * * * * X NM X X X NM X
Gaunt
Virginia 12/31/27 X O/E NM O/E NM X NM X X O/E NM X
Hayes
Jeff 12/31/28 * * * * * X NM X X O/E NM X
Mallory
Rachel 12/31/26 O/E O/E NM X NM O/E NM X O/E X NM X
McPherson
Connie 12/31/25 X X NM X NM X NM X X X NM X
Moore
Brian 12/31/25 X X NM X NM X NM X X X NM X
Morelli
Caleb 12/31/26 O/E X NM X NM X NM X O/E O/E NM X
Recker
Alex 12/31/27 X X NM X NM O/E NM X X X NM X
Stanton
KEY: X= Present O =Absent O/E =Absent/Excused NM = No meeting
LQ =No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting
7/9/2025
Capitol Projects Update
Parks Et Recreation Commission
July 9, 2025
Jub Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks Et Recreation
J_
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CITY',PARK POOL MY PARK POOL WILLIAMS
ma PLANNIX6 Cad IOWA CITY \ A R C H I T E C T S
2
1
7/9/2025
City Park Pool Update
► Construction -April 2025 -April 2026
► Grand Opening-May 2026
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3
TERRELL MILL ROLLER PARK//ov;are.va
IERRELL MILL ROLLER PARK i',. -i, �`
4
2
7/9/2025
Terrell Mill Roller Park Timeline
r Design Development- Complete
Permit Applications- US Army Corps of Engineers- Fall 2024
� Grant Agreement with National Park Service -WiRter Spring 2025 On Hold
io. Bidding- ' ate SpFiR Sum r 2025 On Hold
� Construction - Fall 7025 On Hold
5
Projects in Progress :
Adelaide Joy Rogers Park
College Green Park
Calder Park TOM
Brookland Park
Court Hill Trail - Complete
Iowa River Trail Bridge - Started
Mercer Aquatics Roof -Bid Awarded
Grant Wood Elementary Sidewalk - Fairmeadows Park
3
7/9/2025
Ped Mall Playground - Warranty
Replacement of Surfacing - Complete
;s
1
7
2025 Facilities Projects
► Senior Center Exterior Doors Et Windows- Contract Awarded, Waiting on
Materials.
► Senior Center Building Automation System (Climate Control) - Out for Bid
► Animal Shelter Generator- Complete
► Fire Station 2 Roof- In Design
► City Hall 3rd Floor Et Fire Station 1 Remodel- Complete
► Ashton House Roof Replacement - Complete
► TTRA Buildings Exterior Staining - Contract Awarded
► RALRC Intercom Replacement- Complete
► RALRC Interior Painting - Lower Level - Complete
E,
8
4
7/9/2025
7 7 C �e
�� Prod ectc
• R4227 Highway 6 Trail Broadway to Fairmeadows $1,700,000
• R4362 Napoleon Softball Fields 5-8 Renovations $600,000 - h-y Desion
• R4389 North Market Square Park Playground Replacement $300,000 -
In Design
• R4403 Carson Lake Park Retention Basin $2,450,000
• R4346 Palisades Park Development $250,000
• R4358 City Park Shelters Et Restroom Replacement $1 ,450,000 In Design-4
• R4419 Park Paving Improvements $380,000 - Mercer Athletic Parking
• R4130 8t 4380 Park Et Tree Annual Improvements $80,000
9.026 CIP Project - Cr)nfinued
• R4408 Cemetery Columbarium Expansion $720,000
• R4412 Robert A. Lee Roof Repairs $905,000 - In Design
• R4129 Et R4388 City Hall Elevator Improvements and Annual Repairs
$450,000 (HVAC Unit replacement) - In Design
• K1003 Senior Center Phase 1 Improvements $2,300,000
• R4420 Ped Mall Fountain Renovations $500,000 - In Design
1�
5
7/9/2025
2027 CIP Projects
• R4206 Willow Creek Trail South of West High $200,000
• R4400 Mercer Park Shelter Replacement $150,000
• R4130 E 4380 Park E. Tree Annual Improvements $110,000
• R4412 Rec Center Annual Improvements $50,000
• R4406 RALRC Structural Cable Repairs $250,000
?n?P rJD Proinrtc. m �A A millir)n
• R4384 Benton Hill Park Renovations $250,000
• R4421 Hwy 1 / Riverside Trail $750,000
• R4130 8t 4380 Park Ft Tree Annual Improvements $130,000
• R4413 Indoor Pool UV Disinfectant Systems $150,000
• R4415 Mercer Lobby Ft Classroom Roof Repairs $300,000
• R4412 Rec Center Annual Improvements $50,000
• K1004 Senior Center Phase 2 Interior Improvements $2,700,000
12
6
7/9/2025
2029 CIP Projects - $2.3 million
• R4206 Trails $200,000
• R4390 Reno Street Park Renovations $300,000
• R4401 Parks Maintenance Storage Building $250,000
• R4418 Harlocke Hill Park Playground Replacement $75,000
• R4419 Park Paving Improvements $350,000 - Scott Park
• R4130 Ft 4380 Park Et Tree Annual Improvements $130,000
• R4415 Mercer Scanlon Exterior Tuckpointing $700,000
1_3
Project Requests Not Funded
• Oak Grove Park Renovations $400,000
• Napoleon Park Softball Restroom Et Storage Renovations $500,000'
• City Park Baseball Restroom Renovations $500,000
• Riverfront Crossing Band Shell and Storage Room $300,000
• Community Garden Enhancements $300,000
• South Hickory Hill Shelter Replacement $250,000
• Hickory Hill Park New Scott Boulevard Entrance $575,000
• Kickers Park Playground Replacement $150,000
• Court Hill Park Basketball Court Renovation $100,000
• Mercer Scanlon Tiled Floor Replacement $300,000
• City Park Roads and Parking Lot Replacements
14
7
7/9/2025
CIP Unfunded List - More than 1 year
► Fairmeadows Park Trail Loop - $125,000
► Southgate Avenue - Iowa River Trail Connection -$400,000
► Napoleon to RFX Park Trail Replacement - $720,000
► Whispering Meadows Park Trail/Boardwalk Improvements - $2
► Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 4 - $1 ,353,000
► Riverfront Crossing Park, 2nd Restroom and Pedestrian Bridge - $
Million
► Ashton House, 2nd Parking Lot - $300,000
► Lower City Park Master Plan - $23 Million
East Side Sports Complex - $14 Million
15
8
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Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - July 2025 (1 of 2)
Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals
Tue,July 1 8 8 7 2 8 6 9 48
Wed,July 2 5 7 6 6 14 10 9 57
Thu,July 3 8 5 4 4 9 12 8 50
Fri,July 4 7 3 0 4 9 10 4 37
Sat,July 5 3 4 5 5 6 3 7 3 2 38
Sun,July 6 18 8 3 0
Mon,July 7 6 3 6 4 12 11 3 45
Tue,July 8 11 4 8 4 42 8 5 82
Wed,July 9 12 1 7 4 8 16 7 55
Thu,July 10 8 9 5 3 32 5 4 66
Fri,July 11 6 4 5 8 9 8 10 9 5 0 50
Sat,July 12 2 4 6 3 1 1 3 1 4 25
Sun,July 13 15 13 1 0
Mon,July 14 7 2 5 7 13 5 5 44
Tue,July 15 6 8 7 10 21 10 5 67
Wed,July 16 11 2 3 12 8 12 5 53
Thu,July 17 7 6 7 2 22 5 3 52
Fri,July 18 5 2 2 7 11 8 6 21 17 6 41
Sat,July 19 5 2 4 2 3 3 7 4 1 31
Sun,July 20 5 6 4 0
Mon,July 21 7 1 3 8 9 10 5 43
Tue,July 22 3 3 5 5 27 6 12 61
Wed,July 23 5 2 5 2 9 12 7 42
Thu,July 24 4 3 5 3 51 8 3 77
Fri,July 25 5 2 4 8 7 16 3 5 5 3 45
Sat,July 26 4 3 14 5 2 5 5 8 4 50
Sun,July 27 40 18 5 0
Mon,July 28 5 0 8 6 8 13 5 45
Tue,July 29 5 8 7 5 52 13 5 95
Wed,July 30 5 4 7 8 10 8 7 49
Thu,July 31 2 3 1 8 1 1 28 12 6 60
Total Scans: 1317 Column Total: 1408
Averages: 45.4
$2 Swim.This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - July 2025 (2 of 2)
Date Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Lessons Event#Count Event Name Row Totals
Tue,July 1 48 48
Wed,July 2 57 57
Thu,July 3 50 50
Fri,July 4 37 12 49
Sat,July 5 38 38
Sun,July 6 0 29 $2 Swim 29
Mon,July 7 45 21 58 124
Tue,July 8 82 58 140
Wed,July 9 55 20 58 133
Thu,July 10 66 52 118
Fri,July 11 50 16 14 $2 Swim 80
Sat,July 12 25 25
Sun,July 13 0 62 29 $2 Swim 91
Mon,July 14 44 59 103
Tue,July 15 67 59 126
Wed,July 16 53 22 59 134
Thu,July 17 52 52 104
Fri,July 18 41 23 44 $2 Swim 108
Sat,July 19 31 31
Sun,July 20 0 25 15 $2 Swim 40
Mon,July 21 43 22 66 131
Tue,July 22 61 64 125
Wed,July 23 42 20 67 129
Thu,July 24 77 60 137
Fri,July 25 45 27 13 $2 Swim 85
Sat,July 26 50 50
Sun,July 27 0 41 63 $2 Swim 104
Mon,July 28 45 23 63 131
Tue,July 29 95 57 152
Wed,July 30 49 22 59 130
Thu,July 31 60 58 118
Column Totals: 1408 228 1077 207 2920
Averages: 45.4 7.4 34.7 6.7 94.2
$2 Swim.This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - July 2025 (1 of 2)
Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals
Tue,July 1 T T T 1 16 6 23 33 14 13 20 3 128
Wed,July 2 15 16 10 20 21 12 11 46 12 19 9 2 17 2 212
Thu,July 3 8 13 14 13 9 17 7 11 10 5 23 8 10 5 131
Fri,July 4 13 7 4 20 18 22 5 8 12 2 111
Sat,July 5 4 2 8 6 8 16 11 18 15 11 5 15 12 3 134
Sun,July 6 26 11 12 16 36 16 20 15 6 158
Mon,July 7 14 16 10 19 21 46 23 3 19 8 25 14 9 8 235
Tue,July 8 12 10 11 22 24 18 6 16 17 11 18 16 13 9 157
Wed,July 9 11 12 11 8 18 15 10 22 19 16 11 6 14 3 176
Thu,July 10 7 9 10 8 17 7 36 9 11 9 19 13 17 9 156
Fri,July 11 10 11 5 20 17 9 9 11 12 13 11 3 9 0 140
Sat,July 12 1 4 4 15 16 17 14 11 13 27 8 13 11 4 158
Sun,July 13 14 18 16 20 6 27 6 16 4 127
Mon,July 14 6 2 2 21 12 22 3 11 12 17 23 1 21 6 159
Tue,July 15 13 12 18 16 25 21 8 9 24 5 7 10 5 10 142
Wed,July 16 8 7 10 14 12 13 8 34 6 11 15 10 8 4 160
Thu,July 17 11 8 7 10 20 11 11 85 12 9 20 10 13 7 204
Fri,July 18 15 7 10 22 15 16 6 10 11 17 20 5 4 2 160
Sat,July 19 1 2 2 5 5 4 7 12 13 14 2 21 3 2 93
Sun,July 20 24 7 10 9 4 21 4 0 10 89
Mon,July 21 7 18 10 15 11 23 64 36 4 18 20 8 8 2 244
Tue,July 22 4 11 7 13 20 11 8 14 11 23 16 15 10 6 136
Wed,July 23 14 16 8 13 10 10 11 27 9 18 20 20 27 4 207
Thu,July 24 8 12 6 16 14 13 13 6 6 13 22 8 7 5 119
Fri,July 25 13 12 12 21 7 7 8 13 22 25 11 11 5 7 174
Sat,July 26 2 7 4 12 2 21 8 17 5 11 9 10 1 11 120
Sun,July 27 24 7 15 18 20 14 16 6 4 124
Mon,July 28 8 7 7 17 17 6 11 29 26 16 35 15 25 3 222
Tue,July 29 8 7 7 29 18 6 16 28 16 16 35 10 27 3 179
Wed,July 30 10 8 9 14 12 15 12 5 10 13 27 9 8 8 160
Thu,July 31 9 17 10 30 24 1 9 1 6 7 82 1 17 1 27 1 17 2 1 1 204
Total Scans: 3863 Column Total: 4919
Averages: 158.7
$2 Swim.This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
ICE=92(includes masters)
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - July 2025 (2 of 21
Date Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Team Event#Count Event Name Row Totals
Tue,July 1 128 92 0 $2 Swim 220
Wed,July 2 212 107 319
Thu,July 3 131 107 22 $2 Swim 260
Fri,July 4 111 111
Sat,July 5 134 92 226
Sun,July 6 158 158
Mon,July 7 235 4 107 346
Tue,July 8 157 92 46 $2 Swim 295
Wed,July 9 176 107 283
Thu,July 10 156 107 25 $2 Swim 288
Fri,July 11 140 92 232
Sat,July 12 158 1 92 251
Sun,July 13 127 127
Mon,July 14 159 4 107 270
Tue,July 15 142 92 41 $2 Swim 275
Wed,July 16 160 107 267
Thu,July 17 204 107 30 $2 Swim 341
Fri,July 18 160 92 252
Sat,July 19 93 92 185
Sun,July 20 89 89
Mon,July 21 244 5 107 356
Tue,July 22 136 92 33 $2 Swim 261
Wed,July 23 207 107 314
Thu,July 24 119 107 30 $2 Swim 256
Fri,July 25 174 4 92 270
Sat,July 26 120 92 212
Sun,July 27 124 124
Mon,July 28 222 4 92 318
Tue,July 29 179 92 47 $2 Swim 318
Wed,July 30 160 92 252
Thu,July 31 204 92 54 $2 Swim 350
Column Totals: 4919 22 2557 328 7826
Averages: 158.7 0.7 82.5 10.6 252.5
$2 Swim.This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals:
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
ICE=92(includes masters)
Community Foundation of Johnson County
City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund
June 01, 2025 -June 30, 2025
Beginning Balance: $44,987.95
Total Fund Income: $0.00
Total Fund Expenses: $0.00
Ending Balance: $44,987.95
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund
June 01, 2025 -June 30, 2025
Beginning Balance: $260,306.42
Total Fund Income: $9,986.51
Total Fund Expenses: $62.67
Ending Balance: $270,230.26
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Staff Report
August 2025
Upcoming Events
• Farmers Market—Saturdays, May—October; 7:30 am—Noon; Chauncey Swan Ramp
• Party in the Park series—Thursday,August 14, 6:30-8 pm, Villa Park(moved from Brookland)
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• We have been busy keeping up with mowing this summer. A year with this much growth throughout the
season hasn't occurred for many years.
• Athletic complexes finished out the summer season with multiple tournaments.
• The park improvement projects at Adelaide Joy Rogers, Brookland, Calder, and College Green are
progressing with College Green being the furthest along in construction. Parks staff will be installing the
playground structure at Adelaide Joy Rogers soon as that part of the project in being completed inhouse.
• Horticulture staff added replacement plantings to the Ped Mall to get plants established in tough
conditions near some busy sidewalks where plants have struggled in the past.
• Forestry has been busy with tree trimming and removals.The heavy growth of leaves and fruits/nuts
this year has caused multiple trees to become stressed and break. A storm also impacted 10 trees one
night, most of which ended up across roads,trails, and sidewalks.
• Staff is working on reinstalling the playground that was moved from upper City Park to make room for
the pool project in its new home in lower City Park.
• We have been busy working on plans and designs for projects that will be constructed in the next couple
of years.
Recreation:
• Megan Hill has been hired as the new Recreation Program Supervisor that will oversee the Arts, STEAM,
Nature and Camps program area. She will transition from her full-time role in the City's Climate &
Sustainability Office and will begin with us on August 11. Prior to this role, she had previously worked as
an hourly staff member in customer service and Arts/STEAM.
• Recreation staff partnered with NCJC, UAY, multiple City departments and other organizations to offer
the annual National Night Out event at Wetherby Park on August 5.
Facilities:
• Mercer-
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report I City of Iowa City
o Pool roof
■ We will start to drain the pool Tuesday Aug 5tn
■ Work will start first week of August with substantial completion early September.
• Robert A Lee-
o Staff are continue to strip and wax floors in-between events and rentals.
• Splashpads-
o No major issues and we have reached midway thru the season
• TTRA-
o Lodge and a H2O building are undergoing a large staining project lasting thru September.They
will sand and clean the current surface and then reapply a new stain.
Cemetery:
• The heavy rainfall this year has been great for all the new tree plantings, the
Trees look great and the rainfall has saved staff from watering as much.
• ADA improvements on the upstairs bathroom will begin in August.
• Filming for"The Death of a Brewer"will take place at Oakland Cemetery on August 9tn
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• It has been a challenge to keep up with mowing between the rains.
Recreation
• Amenity closures for project improvements have required staff to be creative in adjusting schedules to
accommodate user groups and the public.
Cemetery:
• Staff continues to stay busy with mowing and trimming.
• Staff will begin working on repairing monuments that have been tipped over or in need of repair.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report I City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 26 Revenue Report
** shaded areas represent previous 5yr average
Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale #of Interments Revenue 5-year Avg. Total 5yr Avg. on
5yr Interments 5yr avg. from on Revenue total
Average Interments Interments revenue
July $10,800.00 $3,468.00 3 5.6 $2,040.00 $3,407.50 $12,840.00 $6,875.50
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals $10,800.00 $3,468.00 3 5.6 $2,040.00 $3,407.50 $12,840.00 $6,875.50
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report City of Iowa City
LATE HANDOUTS - THE
FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS
WERE DISTRIBUTED AT
THE MEETING
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallen16@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2025 5:14 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher; Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Larry Allen; Natalie Benson; Malory Smysor; Roger Swartz,-
Dawn Bouslog
Subject: Week 10, July 7, 2025 at the Project GREEN Gardens
AA
RISK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or
attachments.**
This message is from an external sender.
Hi All,
It was a happy morning when Project GREEN volunteers met for their week 10 work session at the Project
GREEN Gardens (PGG). Our rain gauge showed 2.4 inches since we last met on June 30! No watering
will be needed on our to-do list today. It was 76 degrees at 9 a.m. with air quality 26 described as, "fair."
Two volunteers recorded extra time spent at PGG since last week. Jim Peters (2 1/2 hours watering July
3) and Monica Hoherz (Open Gardens Weekend 2 hours). Thanks to both of you!
Those in attendance for week 10 were: Diane Allen (4 hours), Rina Sjolund (2 1/2 hours), Linda Bergquist,
Pat Yeggy, Mary Laughlin (1 hour), Monica Hoherz, Nick Goergen, Jim Peters (2 1/2 hours), Chris
Ostrander (3 hours), Susan Ahrens, Linda Schreiber(master gardener hours), Lisa Haverkamp, Sue
Mullins, Cindy(4 hours), Barb Schlintler (2 1/2 hours). Welcome to Barb for joining our Project GREEN
volunteers! Thanks so much to our 15 volunteers!
Our goals for week 10 included: weeding, planting 6 Japanese Forest Grasses on the east side of the row
of lilacs located at the end of the long driveway, filling the Little Free Library, and looking around for ideas
and location of a new flower bed.
Here are the number of Project GREEN volunteer hours after 10 weeks working at the PGG. Weeks 1 - 9 +
Week 10 = 513 hours + 36 hours = 549 hours after 10 Weeks Volunteering at the
Project GREEN Gardens! Here are 800 thanks to all of
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you!
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After everyone left our week 10 session, Cindy and I loaded a case of bottled water to be cooled inside a
baby refrigerator. This refrigerator is located in the lower level of the Ashton House near the stairs
leading to the outside patio. Please make sure to get a cold bottle of water as you pull weeds, etc at the
PGG! Thanks to Malory Smysor for allowing Project GREEN the use of the refrigerator.
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Since we met last week, Drugtown Hy-Vee (located at the corner of Rochester/1 st Ave in Iowa City) put
their plants on 1/2 price. We now have 7 Green Velvet boxwood bushes to plant and three ninebark
bushes, all 1/2 priced. One of the planting locations is pictured below.
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The boxwood will be planted around this area, outlining the space where hoses are kept connected to a
faucet on the Ashton House. We need ideas for what to plant inside the boxwood border.
The ninebark will be located on the west side of the ramp leading to the Ashton House front door. I had a
picture of this spot in last week's summary. The ninebark will replace the Fragrant Sumac planted 12
years ago.
Sending a BIG thank-you to Parks and Recreation Steve Erickson and crew for clearing our piles of debris
(weekly!) at the end of the long driveway and in front of the Ned Ashton Herky. Your efforts are greatly
appreciated.
Cindy and I hope to have our 2026 plant order to Dawn Bouslog at Pleasant Valley Greenhouses by the
end of August. I will be in touch with Dawn to get a couple plant catalogs for our orders. Start looking at
your area(s) for 2026 ideas. For instance, Cindy and I are planning to order only red, white, and blue
annual plants for the 2026 Triangle. Since our country will be celebrating 250 years as the United States
we thought the Triangle would be a perfect spot to use our flag's colors for plant choices. Also, would
someone be willing to make a sign like the one below with words, "Project GREEN celebrates 250 years
as the United States!" or something like this? We would locate the sign inside the Triangle bed.
3
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TO THE
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Looking forward to our next volunteer (week 11) session on Monday, July 14 from 9 - 11 a.m.! Until then,
happy gardening. Diane
4
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2025 2:22 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher; Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Larry Allen; Natalie Benson; Malory Smysor; Ron and Susan
Haffner
Subject: Week 11, July 14, 2025 at the Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
RISK
**This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any Links or
attachments. **
This message is from an external sender.
Hi All,
There were 11 Project GREEN volunteers who met on a muggy Monday(97% humidity)with a 9 a.m.
temperature of 74 degrees. The 11 a.m. temperature was expected to be 80 degrees. Yikes! The air
quality was 87 (moderate). The biggest news was our rain gauge showing 2.4 inches of rain since we last
met, July 7th! Oh, happy day!
Those in attendance were: Diane Allen (extra 1 1/2 hour today), Evelyn Frey, Nick Goergen (1 extra hour
since week 10), Pat Yeggy, Lisa Haverkamp, Monica Hoherz, Linda Bergquist, Sue Mullins (extra 1 1/2
hours today, Chris Ostrander (extra 1/2 hour today), Barb Schintler, Linda Schreiber(master gardener
hours), Cindy Parsons (extra hour today). Larry and Diane Allen purchased plants and delivered to PGG
July 12 (1 extra hour each). Many thanks to our Project GREEN volunteers! The Gardens continue to
flourish with your care.
Today we had a visitor to our group! Juli Seydell-Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation, stopped by
to thank volunteers for their 2025 efforts at the PGG. It was a wonderful surprise! Pictured below shows
Juli (on our left) with Cindy Parsons. Cindy showed Juli around the Gardens using Fern.
1
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i
We had another long list of chores for week 11. These goals were accomplished along with much
more: pulling weeds, fertilizing flower beds, fertilizing containers, discussing ideas for a new flowerbed,
straightened up garage, filling birdbaths, painting with landscaping paint where the new shrubs would be
located for a Iowa One Call, spraying liquid fence on Japanese Forest Grasses. Whew! That's a long list!
Cindy drove Fern around the Gardens for pictures of flowerbeds and volunteers.
2
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Pictures 10 and 11: Cindy found appliques for our John Deere Gator to celebrate Fern Allison, a longtime
Project GREEN volunteer. It was with Fern's $$$ donation to Project GREEN that we were able to
purchase our GREEN Bator. Every back breaking chore will be much easier with Fern. Also it's a special
treat to show VIPs around using Fern! Many thanks to Fern for her generous donation to Project
GREEN.
Here are the numbers after 11 weeks working at the PGG: Weeks 1 - 10 +Week 11 = 549 hours + 29 1/2
hours = 578 1 /2 Hours for Project GREEN Gardens 2025
volunteers! Congratulations to each and everyone of you.
Our next work session will be July 21, Monday from 9 - 11 a.m. It will be a busy two hours! We have
Green Velvet boxwood and Lady in Red ninebark to plant. Pat Yeggy continues to make labels for plants
and will need help matching plants with labels. Monica has begun work on West Oval 2 and requests
volunteer help. Our time together will go quickly!
Happy Gardening! Diane
5
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2025 2:16 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher; Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Malory Smysor; Natalie Benson; Larry Allen
Subject: Week 12, July 21, 2025 Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
ARIX
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Hi All,
We had a wonderful turn-out for our twelfth week together at the PGG! There were 16 (my favorite
number!) Project GREEN volunteers in attendance Monday, July 21. They were: Diane Allen (4 hours), Jim
Peters (3 hours), Susan Ahrens, Mary Laughlin, Nick Goergen, Chris Ostrander (2 1/2 hour), Evelyn Frey,
Monica Hoherz, Rina Sjolund, Barb Schintler, Laura Bonifazi (master gardener hours), Linda Schreiber
(master gardener hours), Pat Yeggy (1 1/2 hour), Hetty Hall(2 1/2 hour), Sue Mullins (2 1/2 hour), and
Cindy Parsons (2 1/2 hour), The Project GREEN volunteers who worked extra hours since last week 11
were: Monica Hoherz (1 hour), Pat Yeggy (2025 label work 10 hours), Roger Swartz (Little Free Library LFL
and wren house builder 3 hours), and Cindy Parsons (1 1/2 hours). The 9 a.m. temperature was 70
degrees with 84% humidity. By 11 a.m., the temperature was 74 degrees. Our rain gauge showed 1 inch
rain since last week. The air quality was 37, described as "Good." Not bad for a July Monday.
Our accomplished goals included: planting 3 "Lady in Red" ninebark shrubs, planting 9 "Green Velvet"
boxwood, continuing to clear West Oval 2, fertilizing the 8 containers (7 in front and 1 in north side
garage bed), filling the LFL(the LFL is in need of adult and children's books), finishing weeding memorial
flowerbed, weeding Ligularia Dell, and weeding lamium bed. Whew! I'm pretty sure more work was
done. Everything looked fantastic after everyone had left and I walked around the 8+ acres. Well done!
Here are pictures showing our week 12 efforts.
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The meandering Iowa River was movingquickly •
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"Lady Red" -bark were planted onwest side of
the ramp leading to the Ashton House. Thanks to Jim Peters (and others) for weeding, removing fragrant
• planting the new shrubs. ••
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. Weeded Ligularia Dell. These gorgeous perennial plants should
be blooming soon.
Here are the numbers after 12 weeks of challenging, but heartwarming efforts by Project GREEN
volunteers. Weeks 1 - 11 +Week 12 = 578 1/2 hours + 48 hours = 626 1 /2 hours for Project
GREEN 2025 volunteers! Oh my, so much to be proud of and providing welcoming beautyto
Iowa City's beautiful Project GREEN Gardens! With all the volunteer hours and informative labels for
trees, shrubs, and perennial& annual plants, is it possible to consider the Project GREEN Gardens as
Botanical Gardens? Here's a definition I found using the internet: "A botanical garden is a dedicated
space showcasing a diverse collection of living plants, organized primarily to highlight their similarities
and connections." Would anyone be interested in Learning the how's and what's needed to get
accreditation as a Botanical Garden? If yes, please Let Cindy or me know
Our week 13 will begin Monday, July 28 from 9 - 11 a.m. It's supposed to be another hot day with
high humidity. Anyone wishing to work from 8 - 10 a.m., I'LL be at the PGG as well.
Looking forward to seeing LOTS of Project GREEN volunteers tomorrow. Until then, happy
gardening'. Diane
5
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 3, 2025 3:10 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher; Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Malory Smysor; Natalie Benson; Larry Allen
Subject: Week 13, July 31, 2025 Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
A
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attachments.**
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H i All,
We cancelled our usual Monday work session (July 28) as early morning rain and high humidity with HEAT
interfered with our plans. A few Project GREEN volunteers went ahead with the Monday plans and put in
time for weeding. Otherwise we organized our week 13 plans for Thursday, July 31 from 9 - 11 a.m.
There were 4 Project GREEN volunteers who were able to meet for week 13. Our goals were to plant two
Green Velvet boxwood and one Shenandoah switchgrass. The rest of our time was spent weeding the
large flowerbed on the west side of the Bridge, that leads to the Ashton House. Check, check, and check
- all our goals were accomplished by 11 a.m.! When we started at 9 a.m., the temperature was 68
degrees and by 11 a.m. it was 72 degrees. Our rainfall since July 21 was 3.09 inches -whoopee! No
watering for week 13! The air quality was 154, considered unhealthy and humidity of 87%. Those in
attendance for Thursday were: Diane Allen, Nick Goergen, Pat Yeggy, and Hetty Hall. Those in
attendance earlier in the week were: Lisa Haverkamp (3 hours), Monica Hoherz (2 hours), and Linda
Bergquist (2 hours).
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It was a good opportunity to take Fern (our John Deere Bator)
out of the garage &for a drive around the 8+ acre park. Nick Goergen was our driver with a very large
Shenandoah Switchgrass in the back.
I failed to take any other pictures for week 13, but did find a past treasure of pictures from 2021 at the
Gardens. Enjoy!
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looks dry in 2021, but the Circle flowerbed was gorgeous! The colors were red, white, and blue annual
salvia. I believe each color was planted in concentric circles. Please pretend the purple salvia as blue.
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- The Normand Drive eon line-out bed w
y peony as cut
back by Project GREEN volunteers Connie Goeb and Chris Ostrander. I'm not sure who was weeding the
Memorial flowerbed in the background. All of these chores are still included with our yearly goals. Some
things don't change... I'm guessing Connie and Chris pulled the heavy tarp to the end of the Ashton
House driveway for pick-up by Steve Erickson + crew.
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The Triangle flowerbed was filled with summer treasures for
any hiker/biker passing by. In the center canna lilies, fountain grass, and cleome were blooming and the
Triangle's sides filled with lantana and celosia. In the back of picture 2 you can see the Little Free
Library. Our first Project GREEN park bench was to the north of the Triangle on its own concrete pad. All
great memories from the past!
4
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Rina Sjolund took care
of planting& maintaining the containers in 2021, as she continues to do in 2025. In 2021 Rina used a
Ladder to plant and maintain a container located above the beautiful stone pillar seen from Park
Road. The junipers in front of the pillar continue to grow and eclipse the words identifying the Ashton
House and its address. Also, tree branches next to the pillar spill over making the container planting
difficult. Rina was sorry to end planting of this container. She now has 6 containers in front of the Ashton
House and two red rider wagons to fill with beautiful flowers that last from spring through fall.
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t Monica Hoherz cares for Dashes 1 - 7 located on the east side
of the hiking trail. Each Dash is filled with annual and perennial plants and shrubs that are perfect for
their daily sunlight. Behind Monica is Barb Hanson filling a plastic muck bucket with weeds. This 2021
picture is showing Dash 3's (I think?) perennial shrubs. Monica continues to care for the 7 Dashes in
2025.
5
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The dry river bed has been weeded and cared for many years
by Project GREEN volunteers. This 2021 picture showed results after volunteers sat on the ground,
starting at the end of the long driveway and curving with the rocks towards the culvert leading to the
meandering Iowa River. Lots of work for volunteers, yearly!
Here are the numbers after 13 weeks caring for the Project GREEN Gardens. Weeks 1 - 12 +Week 13 =
626 !/2 hours + 15 hours = 641 1 /2 hours for 2025 Project GREEN
volunteers! Manythanks to each and everyone of our volunteers, in 2021 and 2025!
Pat Yeggy has looked into the particulars of calling Project GREEN Gardens a Botanical Garden. Anyone
interested in joining Pat in these efforts please get in touch with her: pat yeggyPgmail.com.
Our next week 14 work session will be Monday, August 4th from 9- 11 a.m. I promise to take lots of 2025
pictures to share. Until then, happy gardening! Diane
6
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2025 2:41 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher;Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Malory Smysor; Natalie Benson
Subject: Week 14, August 4, 2025 Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
A
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attachments.**
This message is from an external sender.
H i All,
We have spent 14 weeks caring for the PGG! There has been lots of progress at the 2025 Gardens since
our week 1, May 5th work session. I've taken two out-of-town guests around the many flowerbeds this
past week and seen PGG through their eyes. It filled me with joy as the smiles began and Oohhs and
Aahhs followed. One of the visitors hopped aboard Fern (on my lap) as our driver, Larry, drove us around
visiting the Project GREEN pillar, Evelyn's Corner, the Welcome Garden, Triangle, Little Free Library, and
Quilt.
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There's so much more to share, but you get the idea!
There were 11 amazing gardeners who met Monday, week 15 on August 4 from 9- 11 a.m.. The
temperature as we met at 9 a.m. was 68 degrees and 73 degrees at 11 a.m. when we left. Our rain gauge
showed 0-inches of precipitation since last Monday(week 13). Our air quality was 98 described as
,'moderate" with 76% humidity. Those in attendance were: Diane Allen, Mary Laughlin (1 hour), Rina
Sjolund, Nick Goergen, Sue Mullins, Jim Peters (2 1/2 hours), Susan Ahrens, Monica Hoherz, Evelyn Frey,
Erin Buscher, Hetty Hall. Jim Peters also worked Saturday, August 2 for 1 1/2 hour. Project GREEN is
blessed with dedicated, determined, inspiring, and friendly gardeners. Project GREEN is thankful for
each and every one. Many thanks for all each of you do.
We had a to-do list: continue weeding, watering, fertilizing. Clearing driveway& sidewalks. Filling the
Little Free Library. Lots of "ing" words. We discussed ideas for an end-of-2025 project. Here's a few
pictures around the week 14 Gardens.
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Jim got a picture of a visitor to the
Park Road cub garden.
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Our resident beaver has
struck again. Too bad for the Bald Cypress tree planted in 2018 to celebrate Project GREEN's "50 Trees
for 50 Years". This picture was taken along the hiking/biking path.
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Every week Rina Sjolund prepares gallons of Miracle Grow water for the 6 containers and 2 Red Rider
wagons filled with beautiful flowers. She is using a cart Max Molleston donated to Project GREEN and
pulling the cart to the front then back of the Ashton House delivering the blue water. The results of a
weekly watering and fertilizing are spectacular!
Here are the numbers after 14 weeks together at the PGG. Weeks 1 - 13 +Week 14 = 641 1/2 hours + 23
hours = 664 1 /2 hours for 2025 Project GREEN volunteers! Manythanks to each
and everyone of you!
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It's time toplan our Gardens for 2026. 1 have three catalogs to share from Dawn Bous tog, Pleasant Valley
Greenhouses. Please think about your 2026 beds and what you will want to order. Make a list to give to
me telling the name of your Garden Bed, catalog name, page number and plant name and number of
plants to order. Cindy and I are planning to fill the Triangle bed with red, white, and blue flowers to
celebrate the USA's 250th year. Let me know if you'd like us to order extra red, white, and blue plants for
your bed.
Looking forward to seeing Project GREEN volunteers Monday, August 11 from 9 - 11 a.m.! We can chat
away our time together weeding flowerbeds, making them pretty for our Garden visitors. Until then,
happy gardening! Diane
12