HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-08-2025 Parks & Recreation CommissionIowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
5:00 p.m. • '
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center — Meeting Room B CITY of Iowa CITY
220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
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, October 6, 2025, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 10, 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 POOL OPERATIONS — Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker
ITEM 5 FY27 USER FEES & CHARGES — Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker
ITEM 6 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks and Recreation Director —Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Parks and Forestry Superintendent — Tyer Baird
c) Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker
ITEM 7 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 8 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 9 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 SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER —MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Connie Moore, Missie Forbes, Michael Gaunt, Jeff Mallory, Rachel
McPherson, Caleb Recker, Alex Stanton
Members Absent: Brian Morelli, Virginia Hayes
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: Anne Jensen
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Gaunt, seconded by Haves, to approve the August 13, 2025, minutes. Motion
passed 6-0 (Haves, McPherson, and Morelli absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
LOCAL OPTION SALES AND SERVICE TAX (LOSST) —
Assistant City Manager Kirk Lehmann; City Manager's Office
Commissioner McPherson arrives at 5:03 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Lehmann presents the attached PowerPoint regarding the proposed Local
Option Sales and Service Tax (LOSST).
Commissioner Recker asks, regarding large projects akin to the City Park Pool project, if these
projects could potentially be funded through tax relief instead of through the bonding process.
ACM Lehmann confirms that that is correct. Recker asks if this tax relief would fall under the
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 2 of 9
10% of funds that would allocate towards Parks, Public Streets, and Facilities and if so, how is
the use of the funds determined between the three areas. Lehmann explains that the categories for
fund allocation are broad by design. This is to preserve some flexibility for how the funds will be
used in the long-term, noting that there is no proposed sunset for LOSST. Lehmann gives the
example, that if there is another pandemic that was not anticipated for, then the focused use of
the funds can easily be pivoted to address more pressing needs. Lehmann says that the tax relief
could go towards Parks if deemed necessary and would be detailed annually as part of the
budgeting process.
Commissioner Gaunt asks if it has been quantified how much revenue will be lost from state
property tax reforms, compared to the projected potential of 8-10 million dollars in LOSST
revenue gain. ACM Lehmann explains that when discussing state party tax reforms, he is
referring to four different reform packages that have occurred since 2013. The biggest of which
was the reduction of how multi -family properties are taxed. In Iowa City, these properties were
previously taxed at the commercial rate, 100% of their property tax evaluation. Over the past 10
years, this has been reduced to the residential rate, less than 50%. This would be the biggest lost
revenues source that the city has seen. Lehmann says that he does not know the exact number,
but that he can follow up on that. Lehmann explains that there have been reforms more recently
that have limited the city's ability to capture growth. If the city grew by a certain percentage,
then the municipality automatically reduced the property tax rate by a certain percentage,
limiting the ability to capture growth moving forward. Lehmann notes that the state is discussing
property taxes with a package expected to pass the following year. Currently, the exact details of
this reform are unknown. These discussions put uncertainty in the city's future, prompting the
city council to add the LOSST to the ballot sooner rather than later.
Commissioner Forbes asks, assuming that LOSST passes and 10% of the revenue is allocated
towards the category including Parks, who is determining how the money is used. Would
department staff come to the Commission with a proposal, which if approved, would get
recommended to city council? Dir. Seydell Johnson says that it would likely follow the current
capital improvement process. Staff would come to the commission to gather ideas and then later
input CIPs. There are already many requests that have funding, so the first couple rounds of new
requests would likely come from the unfunded list. AMC Lehmann says that this revenue is seen
as a way to accelerate the projects that can be acknowledged while providing a realistic
opportunity to work on the unfunded list.
Commissioner Mallory asks, considering the size of tourism and visitor income, why are hotel
and motel exempt from LOSST. AMC Lehmann explains that hotels and motels are exempt from
LOSST, because they have their own type of tax and aren't subject to sales tax. The revenue that
would be obtained primarily from visitors are people that are eating out, buying tickets, and
many other things in the community. In Iowa, there is a limit to the amount of each type of tax,
with hotel and motel taxes already maxed out in Iowa City. This is why the LOSST is one of the
last large revenue options available. Mallory asks for confirmation that it is a state cap on taxes
charged to hotels and motels. Lehmann confirms that this is accurate before explaining that Iowa
provides municipalities options for tax rates that can be chosen within certain parameters
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 3 of 9
Commission Mallory asks if University of Iowa (UI) properties are tax exempt. ACM Lehmann
confirms this. Mallory asks if there is any compensatory balance from the state because of this.
Lehmann says that there is no such compensation as UI is a state entity and is not within city
zoning control. Lehmann notes that there are some agreements on certain services. For example,
the city gets funds from UI for providing fire services, while the university provides their own
police force and transit. Mallory asks if there has been an attempt to get compensation for cities
with state universities. Lehmann says that there are examples in other states called pilot, where
cities are paid in fees in lieu of taxes, but that this has not been a discussion in Iowa. Lehmann
adds that recently there are university properties that are being leased. Leased properties are
privately owned and do pay property tax. There have been a lot of recent expansion of leased
properties, bringing in some tax revenue. Lehmann acknowledges that this relationship can be a
challenge but states that Iowa City would not be what it is without the university, noting the
importance of the partnership and understanding between the two entities.
Commissioner McPherson asks if there are any chances that the state could change how LOSST
funds are collected and allocated. ACM Lehmann confirms that this is a possibility and that all
taxes are submit to changes by the state. The state has already proposed collecting LOSST at a
state level then allocating to local governments. The League of Cities has concerns with this
because in the past, the state has given out backfill payments making up for lost taxes but were
eventually phased out. Lehmann clarifies that what has been seen with LOSST is that it's widely
used across Iowa cities, has been very popular at the state level, and has not yet been changed for
communities that have already implanted LOSST, but will always be subject to possible change
from the state.
Commissioner McPherson asks, who or what department were the ambassadors that went to
North Liberty and Coralville to encourage the LOSST. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that it was
Greater Iowa City, Inc. that discussed with other cities. ACM Lehmann clarifies that the city is
not permitted under state law to advocated for the approval of LOSST and instead acts in an
informational role. Greater Iowa City, as a private organization, has taken on an advocacy role,
encouraging Coralville and North Liberty to act at the same time as Iowa City. McPherson asks
what Greater Iowa City is. Lehmann explains that Greater Iowa City is a combination of both the
Chamber of Commerce of Iowa City and the Iowa City Area Development Group, acting as an
economic development entity within Iowa City.
REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Parks and Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson
Commission Business: Dir. Seydell Johnson reminds the commission to sign up for open meeting
trainings from the Iowa Public Information Board. Seydell Johnson acknowledges the difficulty
in signing up for the online training due to the limited capacity across the state. To combat this,
the city has scheduled a local in -person training scheduled for Monday, Sept. 29, at the Terry
Trueblood Lodge. Seydell Johnson reiterates that the training is required for all local commission
and board members but clarifies that any civil penalties detailed during the training would only
be pertinent to new commissioners appointed after July 1, 2025. Seydell Johnson recommends
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 4 of 9
that any members who are unable to attend the in -person training, to sign up for the online
courses as soon as possible.
Commissioner Mallory, having previously completed the online course, recommends the online
course to the Commission. Mallory compliments the depth and breadth of the training.
Commissioner Stanton recalls that Iowa State University has offered a course on the material for
a $50 registration fee. Stanton asks, assuming that this would be the only option available, would
the city offer reimbursement for the registration fee. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that she does not
know the answer to that specifically, but notes that there are more online courses being offered
every day.
Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that Chair Moore, Vice Chair Morelli, and Commissioner Forbes
are nearing the end of their first terms at the end of the year. City council is expected to open up
applications for filling the spots. Seydell Johnson reminds that all three members are allowed to
apply for a second term.
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that earlier in the day, a
deceased body was found near the edge of the waterline at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area,
outside of view of the main trail. Staff has very little information on the topic while police are
investigating. The area was closed off around noon to 4 p.m. but has since been reopened by the
police. Seydell Johnson says that this should have no impact on rentals in the area but adds that
patrons have been given option to cancel their reservation if they are uncomfortable.
Park Projects: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that fences have come down regarding the
summer park projects. Seydell Johnson gives updates on the following parks:
• College Green Park's new playground and basketball court is fully open and has been
receiving lots of use.
• Calder Park's new trail is open and usable.
• Brookland Park is open with new playground and new pathways to the playground.
• Adelaide Joy Rogers Park is nearly fully open. The trails are walkable, but staff are
currently installing the playground and should be open shortly.
• The small playground that was previously located in Upper City Park before being
removed for the nearby construction has been installed in Lower City Park. The
playground is located at the western entrance of the park near the City Park baseball
fields.
• The Mercer Park athletic fields are moving along with the changes to the softball fields.
This project is managed by the Iowa City Community School District.
• The final design details are being finished on the City Park shelter and restroom
renovation project.
• This fall, there will be a public meeting regarding an upcoming project at North Market
Square Park.
• Staff are completing the bid documents for the Terrell Mill Roller Park. The federal funds
have been released, so bids will be going out soon.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 5 of 9
Commissioner McPherson asks where North Market Square Park is located. Dir. Seydell Johnson
responds that the park is located next to Mann Elementary School. The project is a playground
replacement with some enhancements to the field area.
Commissioner Recker asks if the Mercer Park athletic fields project is on schedule. Dir. Seydell
Johnson says that there are intermittent delays, but nothing substantial to warrant a change in
estimated completion. Recker notes that the project is managed by the school district but asks if
there are any stipulations or obligations in the contract where if work goes beyond a certain
amount of time, work will stop to allow recreational use of the other fields. Seydell Johnson
responds that Fields 2 and 3 are unaffected by the construction, but in the scenario that the
project is not completed in time, access to the fields may be difficult.
Commissioner Stanton asks when the public meeting for North Market Square Park be. Dir.
Seydell Johnson says that a date has not been scheduled yet.
National Recreation and Parks Association: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the following
week, staff including herself, Supt. Barker, Supt. Baird, and Facilities Mang. Worrell will be
attending the National Recreation and Parks Association conference.
Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker
Facilities: Supt. Barker announces that the Mercer Park Aquatic Center (MPAC) swimming pool
roof project has been completed. The MPAC pool was closed for approximately one month. To
compensate; operation hours were extended at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RAL). Staff
worked with the school district, who uses the MPAC pool for practice, to start using the RAL
pool during the closure. MPAC pool was reopened the previous day and both MPAC and RAL
pools have returned to normal hours.
Supt. Barker relays that Fin & Feather H2O have recently announced that they plan to vacate the
boat rental facility at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. Fin & Feather intend to sell their
equipment, leaving the vacated property. Barker explains that staff have looked through the space
and are planning to propose transforming the facility into an enclosed park shelter. Between the
patio area and natural light, Barker believes that the building has potential as an event rental
space for the public to use. Barker adds that it can be used for recreation programming,
specifically nature education.
Staff. Supt. Barker announces that Megan Hill is the new Recreation Program Supervisor for
Arts, STEAM, Summer Camps, and Nature Education. Hill began working in August 2025, after
the position was vacant for eight months. Hill had been working for the city's Climate
Sustainability Office for three years, but prior to that, she had worked with Green Iowa
AmeriCorps and was a part-time employee in the Recreation division for Arts programming and
Customer Service. As such, Hill already knows most of the staff and has worked well with them
in the past.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 6 of 9
Events: Supt. Barker announces the following upcoming Recreation events:
• The third annual Get Outside! recreation festival will be held in the morning of Sunday,
Sept. 28, at Lower City Park. Staff has partnered with 15 different organizations in the
community to bring different recreation opportunities for people to try out.
• The Indigenous Peoples Day event will be held from 2 — 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October
12, at the Terry Trueblood Lodge. Typically, the event is held in the evening on
Indigenous Peoples Day, but to see increased attendance, it has been moved to daylight
hours on the weekend. There are many different groups and entertainment represented at
the event.
Commissioner Forbes asks to speak more on the lake levels at the Terry Trueblood Recreation
Area. Dir. Seydell Johnson states that the lake levels no longer support paddle boarding or canoe
rentals. Initially, staff thought that the low lake levels were related to the low river level, but now
the river level has come back up while the lake remains low. Staff have consulted with several
different people, but an exact cause has not been identified. The leading theory is that the nearby
housing developments to the east has diverted storm water that was previously adding to the lake
level. Unfortunately, there is no economical way to fill or dredge the lake. Forbes asks if this
means that the area will turn into an empty basin. Seydell Johnson says that unless a different
option is determined, the area will turn into a wetland natural area. Staff will continue to search
for a solution, but it would likely take a lot of funds to restore the lake to its previous water level.
Commissioner McPherson asks if the extended pool hours at RAL Pool will remain, now that
patrons have gotten used to the new pattern. Supt. Barker responds that the extended hours are
not expected to remain. The hours were temporarily extended to include 1 — 4 p.m. Barker
explains that a large factor against keeping extended hours is that swim lessons take up the time
slot in the pool.
Chair Moore says that she received an email from Cycling without Age, inquiring about storing a
Triot, a type of adaptive bike, at either the Ashton House or at the old H2O boat rental facility for
use in their respective areas. Supt. Barker says that he has spoken with Program Supervisor
Malory Smysor, who is working with the group to store several Triots at the Ashton House.
Barker says that unfortunately, storage at the old H2O building would not work after it is turned
into an enclosed shelter. Moore asks how much space is available at the Ashton House, recalling
that Cycling without Age could provide a trailer that could house the actual bikes. Dir. Seydell
Johnson and Barker explain that there is limited space at the Ashton House because the garage
space is used by Project Green. There should be space available for a few bikes in the Ashton
House basement, but not for an entire trailer on the grounds.
Commissioner Stanton asks what the expected timeframe is for the conversion of the old H2O
building into an enclosed shelter. Supt. Barker says that the timeframe would be highly
dependent on the budget, would has already been requested. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that it
would be installed by the next summer at the earliest estimation. Stanton asks if the reservations
would be handled through the department. Barker confirms that the reservations would be
handled by Recreation staff. The use and rentals of the facility is expected to be similar to the
community space planned for the new City Park Pool. Seydell Johnson recalls that the
Recreation Facilities and Program Master Plan called for a need for programming in satellite
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 7 of 9
sites across the city. Seydell Johnson says that is it exciting to see these satellite sites being
fulfilled at the Ashton House and eventually both City Park Pool and TTRA.
CHAIRS REPORT
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner McPherson recalls visiting Upper City Park and noticed about 20 old -growth oaks
that are fenced inside of the construction area around City Park Pool. McPherson asks if the trees
health is still being prioritized. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that staff have been working with
the contractor regarding the trees since before construction started. The trees have been fenced
off primarily at their drip line for their safety, but they will still be impacted with construction
being so close. Seydell Johnson says that it is an ongoing conversation but reiterates that the
trees are one of the top priorities for the project. Ideally, all the trees will be saved, but likely a
few of them will fall within years of the facility being complete, due to their age and the impact
from the construction. McPherson asks for confirmation that the construction crews have been
made aware of the trees as a high priority. Seydell Johnson confirms this, adding that they have
been notified of the priority multiple times.
Commissioner Recker asks how trees are being evaluated for if they are safe to remain. Dir.
Seydell Johnsons says that the city's arborists have been making the evaluations and that Mark
Vitosh from the state has been on the grounds to inspect them at least once, among other experts.
Commissioner Mallory notes that there are some items on the Aquatics webpage that need to be
updated regarding new programming. Mallory says that some patrons have told him that they
had a communications misunderstanding about the pool closing early on the previous Sunday.
Mallory asks if it is possible in the future to have signage posted on the exterior doors regarding
pool hours. Mallory acknowledges that there are already posted hours for the larger facility. Dir.
Seydell Johnson says that staff can look at that but notes that generally the door signage is not
changed unless for emergencies and holidays.
Commissioner Stanton says that he was at the new College Green Park playground, which is not
only fun but packed after the Farmers Market. Stanton recalls being at a party at Happy Hollow
Park and receiving questions from parents regarding the new playground. The playground has a
bridge with hand holds that are flared out wide and low. Stanton was unsure if this was for
accessibility reasons but notes that parents had concerns about kids younger than five falling
through a hole on the bridge. Stanton asks what the reason is for the arms of the bridge to be
designed like this. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that she is not familiar with the playground off the
top of her head but notes that it can be looked at.
Chair Moore explains that she had attempted to visit Sand Prairie Park but that she was unable to
find the entrance when visiting the addresses noted on the Parks webpage. Dir. Seydell Johnson
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 8 of 9
notes that because the park is a prairie preserve, staff don't encourage much use at the moment,
so there is a lack of signage or trails. Staff have been doing lots of restoration work on one of the
last remnant prairies, so it is more ecological focused than visitor focused. Seydell Johnson
recommends Moore to reach out to Parks and Forestry Superintendent, Tyler Baird, about being
shown around the area.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Mallory, seconded by Gaunt, to adiourn the meeting. Motion passed 7-0 (Haves,
and Morelli absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 10, 2025
Page 9 of 9
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
EXPIRES
Missie
12/31/25
NM
O/E
NM
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
O/E
O/E
X
Forbes
Michael
12/31/28
*
*
*
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
Gaunt
Virginia
12/31/27
NM
O/E
NM
X
NM
X
X
O/E
NM
X
X
O/E
Hayes
Jeff
12/31/28
*
*
*
X
NM
X
X
O/E
NM
X
O/E
X
Mallory
Rachel
12/31/26
NM
X
NM
O/E
NM
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
X
McPherson
Connie
12/31/25
NM
X
NM
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
Moore
Brian
12/31/25
NM
X
NM
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
X
O/E
Morelli
Caleb
12/31/26
NM
X
NM
X
NM
X
O/E
O/E
NM
X
O/E
X
Recker
Alex
12/31/27
NM
X
NM
O/E
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
O/E
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
09/10/2025
Local Option Sales Tax
NOVEMBER 4, 2025 ELECTION
1
City Council FY23-28
Strategic Plan
Financial Strategies: Grow the tax base, consider alternative
revenue sources, and leverage outside funding to maintain
core services and pursue community priorities while
maintaining equitable property tax rates.
Action Step 7.9:
Consider alternative revenue sources such as a Local
Option Sales Tax... that can help achieve strategic
plan goals, fund infrastructure and facility needs,
and reduce reliance on property tax.
Target Date: FY26-28
2
09/10/2025
Financial Headwinds
Revenue diversification provides flexibility to react to the
challenging budgetary environment facing the City and region
State property tax reforms
3
Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) 101
The State of Iowa has a 6% Sales Tax levied on
most sales
Local jurisdictions may implement an
additional 1% sales tax on local sales
Many basic necessities are not affected by
adoption of LOSST
Requires approval by majority of voters
Ballot must describe use of LOST revenue
50% must be allocated for property tax relief
1,000+jurisdictions (93%) in Iowa use LOST
4
LOST does not apply to...
Rent/Mortgage
■VJ
M Groceries
i
vehicles
Utilities
Gasoline
rt Hotels/Motels
Prescription Drugs/Health Products
Cr
2
09/10/2025
Potential in Iowa City
Real Annual Taxable Retail Sales in Iowa City
$1,400.0
0
w $1,200.0
$1,000.0
a
$800.0
0
$600.0
a $400.0
N
$200.0
$0.0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
Tax collected at County -level for
participating jurisdictions and
allocated by formula
Visitors to Johnson County
contribute substantially to sales
5.1m visitors in 2024
$458m in visitor spending in 2023
$8-10 million est. revenue
Participating communities in
Johnson County affect amount
Based on other communities,
may be higher
LOST income can be volatile
3
09/10/2025
LOST:
Comparison of
Metro Cities
ff��
Purpose:
Des Moines
2019 None $59,462,764
50% Property Tax Relief; 50% Street, Neighborhood,
Infrastructure, and Public Safety Improvements
Cedar Rapids
2009 2034 $27,891,953
100% Street Repair
Davenport
1989 None $23,353,938
60% Property Tax Relief; 40% Capital Improvements and
Equipment
Sioux City
1987 None $18,231,230
60% Property Tax Relief, 20% Infrastructure Projects, 10%
City Facilities, 10% Economic Development
West Des Moines
2018 None $10,234,176
50% Property Tax Relief; 50% Public Safety, Infrastructure,
& Quality of Life Projects
Waterloo
1991 None $13,757,793
20% Property Tax Relief; 80% Infrastructure Improvement
Ames
1987 None $12,033,283
60% Property Tax Relief; 40% Community Betterment
Council Bluffs
1990 None $13,953,738
100% Streets and Sewers
Dubuque
1988 None $12,440,663
50% Property Tax Relief; 20% City Facilities Maintenance;
30% Special Assessment Relief
*All cities with 50,000 or more residents currently have a 1%
LOST, except Iowa City and Ankeny
VA
LOST: Comparison within Johnson County
Tiffin 2024 None $442,891* 50% Property Tax Relief; 50% Any Lawful Purpose
Solon 2015 None $846,569 100% Infrastructure Improvements & Recreation and Public
Safety Facilities
Lone Tree 2015 None $462,327 50% Property Tax Relief; 50% Community Improvements
University Heights 2025 None ** 50% Property Tax Relief; 50% Any Lawful Purpose
Swisher 2015 None $304,415 50% Property Tax Relief; 50% Any Lawful Purpose
Hills 2015 None $297,561 100% Any Lawful Purpose
West Branch 2015 None $21,987 100% Park Improvements, Public Safety, and Public
Infrastructure
*In effect 6 months
**No Data Yet
0
M
09/10/2025
Special Considerations for LOST
Facilitates large projects that would otherwise require a greater reliance on property taxes
(borrowing) or utility rates and possibly voter referendum:
Street, bridge and utility projects
Park and trail modernization and expansion
Development of modern public facilities (rec centers, libraries, pools, sport complexes, etc.)
Government facility renovation and construction to meet demands of a growing community and
modernization of workspaces to improve employee health and safety
Sales tax can have extreme volatility that can make use for operations more risky
I
Identified Needs:
Infrastructure
FY2020-24 Pavement Management Program
237 miles of streets
Road network Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
indicates "Good Condition" performing ahead of
most large city peers
Current revenues, i.e. Road Use Tax, projected to
be insufficient to maintain network average
pavement condition
Delaying projects creates more expensive repairs
LOST identified as a revenue source
10
C41PC9 Projection (LOST)
S@9.4
T@.4
m
5@.0
� 46.4
Z
3@.0
2@.0
10.0
@.o
—$2.5 Million (Base) —$425 Million (13.5%LOST)
—$825 Million (4.5% LOST+B—)—$8.5 Million (i% LOST}
—1%LOST W Growth —Max Budget (B—+ t%LOST)
5
09/10/2025
iDl Identified Needs:
Public Facilities
0
- - _
X"r
a f
11
Strategic Plan: "Design replacement and renovated facilities
for operational efficiency, capacity for growth, employee
safety and health, resilience, alignment with Climate Action
goals, and civic pride." (Action Plan 5.6)
Potential Projects
Interior improvements at the Senior Center
Land acquisition and construction of a new Fire Station #1
Recreation center modernization
Joint Public Safety Center with Johnson County Sheriff
City Hall modernization and expansion
Multiple smaller projects (roof replacements, generator
replacement, HVAC, lighting, etc.)
Community Survey Results
How much would you support, if at all, a local 1% sales tax for the following public purposes?
Investment in streets, bridges, and sidewalks (repair and new
construction)
Investment in affordable housing
Provision of new and modernized parks, trails, and natural areas
Investment in nonprofit social services
Modernization and expansion of recreation centers and athletic
fields
Public facility construction and modernization (police, fire, and
general government)
*Margin of Error: 5.9%
12
Property tax relief
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
■ Support Neither ■ Oppose
0
09/10/2025
LOST Distribution on Ballot for Iowa City
*Without a sunset clause
13
Property Tax Relief (50%)
Ballot Language: '50% for Property tax relief"
State Code requires 50% of LOST to be allocated to
property tax relief as of 2019, which may include:
Property tax reductions
Property tax avoidance (i.e. minimizing future
borrowing which would otherwise increase property
tax rates or forgoing use of other available levies)
City Council will determine how property tax relief is
provided each year during the City's annual
budgeting process
14
09/10/2025
Affordable Housing (25%)
Ballot Language: "25%shall be used to preserve
existing affordable housing stock, increase shelter
and transitional housing supports, and increase
access to and the supply of affordable housing for
households with low incomes"
Rationale:
Facilitates multiple actions in the Strategic Plan, such as
implementation of the Affordable Housing Action Plan
Greater Iowa City, Inc. is encouraging communities to
dedicate some LOST funding to housing -related
Related to high level of support in Community Survey
for "Investment in affordable housing"
15
Public Streets, Parks, and Facilities (10%)
Ballot Language: "10% shall be used for
maintenance and construction of public
streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and facilities
as designated by City Council"
Rationale:
Supports Strategic Plan actions related to
reinvestment in existing parks and the Senior
Center, expansion of trails and parks, and
provision of recreation throughout the
community
Related to high level of support in Community
Survey for "Provision of new and modernized
parks, trails, and natural areas"
16
I
0
09/10/2025
Community Partnerships (15%)
Ballot Language: "15%shall be used for
community partnerships, including, but not
limited to, partnerships that support
intergovernmental, economic development,
arts and culture, and social service priorities
as designated by City Council."
Rationale:
Empowers the City to enhance activities related
to its Strategic Plan Value of Partnership and
Engagement, including increased collaboration
with social service, community and economic
development, and arts and culture nonprofits
Related to high level of support in Community
Survey for "Investment in nonprofit social
services"
17
Timeline
18
a
09/10/2025
FUl
10
Parks &'
Recreation
• •
Date: October 1, 2025
To: Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission
Cc: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation
From: Brad Barker, Recreation Superintendent
Re: City Park Pool Operations
Commission Role:
Provide review and recommendations
Background:
City Park Pool is currently under construction and the City of Iowa City plans to open the facility to the public in the
summer of 2026. This memo provides additional details on some of the operational items to be considered,
including facility hours, rules, rental considerations, group use policy and fees.
Facility Hours
For context, the following table displays the previous City Park Pool hours of operation.
Previous City Park Pool Hours
Monday
6:15am-9am — lap swim
*9am-11:30am lessons
11:30am-1pm — lap swim
1pm-8pm — open swim (5-8 pm is $2 swim)
Tuesday
6:15am-9am — lap swim
*9am-11:30am lessons
11:30am-1pm — lap swim
1pm-5pm — open swim
*5pm-8pm lessons
Wednesday
6:15am-9am — lap swim
*9am-11:30am lessons
11:30am-1pm — lap swim
1pm-8pm — open swim (5-8 pm is $2 swim)
Thursday
6:15am-9am — lap swim
*9am-11:30am lessons
11:30am-1pm — lap swim
*1pm-5pm camps
*5pm-8pm lessons
Friday
6:15am-9am — lap swim
*9am-11:30am lifeguard training
11:30am-1pm — lap swim
1pm-8pm — open swim (5-8 pm is $2 swim)
Saturday
6:15am-11am — lap swim
11am-5pm — open swim
*5pm-8pm rentals
Sunday
6:15am-11am — lap swim
11am-8pm — open swim
* Indicates hours that the pool has specific programming but is not open to the public for general access.
Pre -season and post -season hours were modified while ICCSD was still in session. These hours included dedicated
lap swim hours every day and regular open swim hours on the weekend. The pool opened to the public for the
season on Memorial Day weekend and closed on Labor Day
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Parks &'
Recreation
• •
Proposed hours for the 2026 City Park Pool season would include the following:
2026 City Park Pool Hours (Proposed)
Day of Week
Activity Pool
Lap Pool
Deep Pool
Monday
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 6:15 — 9 am
Open Boards: 1— 8 pm
Open Swim: 1— 8 pm
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 11:45 am — 2 pm
Open Swim: 2 — 8 pm (2 lanes lap, 4
lanes open)
Tuesday
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 6:15 — 9 am
Open Boards: 1— 5 pm
Open Swim: 1— 5 pm
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
*Swim Lessons: 5 - 8 pm
*Swim Lessons: 5 — 8 pm
Lap Swim: 11:45 am — 2 pm
Open Swim: 2 — 5 pm (2 lanes lap, 4
lanes open)
*Swim Lessons: 5 — 8 pm
Wednesday
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 6:15 — 9 am
Open Boards: 1 pm — 8 pm
Open Swim: 1— 8 pm
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 11:45 am — 2 pm
Open Swim: 2 — 8 pm (2 lanes lap, 4
lanes open)
Thursday
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 6:15 — 9 am
Open Boards: 1 pm — 5 pm
Open Swim: 1— 5 pm
*Swim Lessons: 9 — 11:45 am
*Swim Lessons: 5 — 8 pm
*Swim Lessons: 5 — 8 pm
Lap Swim: 11:45 am — 2 pm
Open Swim: 2 — 5 pm (2 lanes lap, 4
lanes open)
*Swim Lessons: 5 — 8 pm
Friday
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 6:15 — 9 am
Open Boards: 1— 8 pm
Open Swim: 1— 8 pm
*Swim Lessons: 9 —11:45 am
Lap Swim: 11:45 am — 2 pm
Open Swim: 2 — 8 pm (2 lanes lap, 4
lanes open)
Saturday
Open Swim: 1— 8 pm
Lap Only: 6:15 am —1 pm
Open Boards: 1— 8 pm
Open Swim: 1— 8 pm (2 lanes lap, 4
lanes open)
Sunday
Open Swim: 1— 8 pm
Lap Only: 6:15 am —1 pm
Open Boards: 1— 8 pm
Open Swim: 1— 8 pm (2 lanes lap, 4
lanes open)
* Indicates hours that the pool has specific programming but is not open to the public for general access.
These hours will need to carry a pre -season and post -season modification while ICCSD is in session. These hours
will be determined once more is known about the timeline for the construction completion of City Park Pool and
the date of opening.
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Parks &'
Recreation
• •
Rules
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department has preferred to maintain one set of rules that are applicable to all
pools, both indoors and outdoors. Since lifeguards often work at several locations, this helps to better ensure that
staff are fully knowledgeable on the pool rules and can confidently enforce these regulations. This also helps
patron understanding as rules are consistent across all facilities. These rules can be located online at
icgov.org/pools and have been translated into Arabic, Chinese, French and Spanish.
The following sections will be added to the rules for the Summer 2026 season.
Play Structure Rules (may vary based on manufacturer specifications)
• Guardian supervision required
• No running on or around water play structure or other behavior deemed potentially dangerous by
lifeguard staff
• Enter feature using the steps rather than up the slide
• One person on the slide at a time
• No sitting or lounging on the landing pad
• No head -first sliding down the slide
Rock Wall Rules (may vary based on manufacturer specifications)
• One person on the wall at a time
• Must pass the swim test to use the rock wall
• No lifejackets or goggles are allowed while on the rock wall
• No jumping towards other swimmers from the rock wall
• Must fall directly into the water
• Next person must wait to use the rock wall only after the last person has exited the water
• Guardians are not allowed to catch anyone off of the rock wall
Unattended Children
• Only individuals who have started attending 6th grade and up are permitted without an adult. Simply
being enrolled or having finished 5' grade does not qualify. Children 5th grade and younger must be
accompanied by an adult 16-years-old or older. The ratio is one adult per four swimmers; school groups
and daycare provider ratio is one adult provider per eight swimmers.
Pool Rental Considerations
Private rentals of any pool zone are not permitted at any time with exception of the following:
• Swim clubs, school swim teams or other organizations needing access for practice, training or other
certification purposes. Permission is provided at the discretion of the Aquatics Program Supervisor.
• Lap lanes may be rented during hours dedicated for lap swim only. 2 lanes maximum may be
rented and only one group permitted at a time.
• Deep pool may be rented only in the morning hours while Lap Swim is occurring
simultaneously.
• The Director of Parks and Recreation may provide approval for rental under unique circumstances.
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Parks &'
Recreation
• •
Camps and Organized Groups
There is no longer a designated day at the pools for camps and other organized groups. All organized groups must
schedule pool time with the Aquatic Program Supervisor and be approved in advance of their visit. Availability may
vary based on location and daily capacity. Groups may be turned away from the facility if proper scheduling steps
did not occur. For all camps and organized groups, a ratio of one adult provider per eight swimmers is required.
Fees
Pool Admissions
The rate for daily admissions for all swimming pools is proposed to increase from $4 to $5 in FY27. This
rate would become effective May 1, 2026. The $4 rate has been in place since the early 2010's, at which
point it had increased from $3. Pool pass rates have continued to increase incrementally with each
approved fee change approximately every two years.
For additional context, the following are fee rates for pools in nearby communities:
Coralville - $5 for indoor pool, $6 for outdoor pool
North Liberty - $6
University of Iowa - $10 - $12 (Walk -In Fee for Facility Access)
Cedar Rapids - $5.75
Mt. Vernon - $7
Lap Lane Rental
Historically, the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department has made lap lane rentals available to
organized swim clubs and other similar groups like the Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City
Eels, IFLY and the University of Iowa swim team. The intent of these rentals is for groups that need access
for practice, training or other certification purposes. Permission is provided at the discretion of the
Aquatics Program Supervisor.
• Lane Rental - $25.00 per hour
- Maximum two lanes; one group at a time; only available when 4 other lanes can be available
to the public
• Deep Pool - $45.00 per hour
- Only available in the mornings when the pool is not being used for public swim and lap swim
times are occurring simultaneously
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Parks
Recreation
Pool Rules
No running or horseplay (including being on shoulders, dunking, or pushing) or other
actions that are deemed dangerous by staff
2. No breath -holding games or practices
3. Children 11 years -old and younger who wish to use the deep end must pass water
competency test
4. Children 1 1 years -old and younger must be accompanied by adult 16-years-old or older
(ratio is one adult per four swimmers; school groups and day care provider ratio is one
adult provider per eight swimmers)
5. Organized groups of 10 or more must call ahead to inquire about reserving space/use
times (this includes day camps, day cares, and youth groups)
6. Individuals or groups of any size practicing with a coach must rent space (no drop -ins
allowed)
7. Children 5 years and younger must be within arm's reach of adult 16- years -old or older
8. No spitting, urinating, or blowing nose in the pool
9. No one with a contagious disease, open cut, wound, or contagious skin condition may
be in water
10. It is the responsibility of the patron to obey city staff and follow facility and pool rules
11. Pool equipment (including kickboards, pull buoys, noodles and barbells) are available for
use as deemed appropriate by staff
12. Diving blocks are for competitive use under approved coach supervision only
13. Private swim instruction or coaching from non -city staff is prohibited
14. No refunds are given due to weather delays or closure or in the event of mechanical or
water quality issues
15. When we have 15 or less pool users for 60 minutes or more during open swim we reserve
the right to close (for outdoor pool only)
16. Individuals using coast -guard approved PFDs (lifejackets) must stay in shallow areas
outside of lane lines
Spa Rules
1. Children 5 years -old and younger are not permitted in the spa
2. Children 11 years -old and younger must be accompanied by adult 16-years-old or older
3. A maximum of 12 people are allowed in the spa and spa area (any place within the blue
tile)
4. No diving or jumping into the spa
5. Recreational items and equipment are prohibited in the spa including lifejackets and
PFDs
6. A maximum of 10 minutes is advised by the state health code
7. Patrons with medical conditions (including pregnancy) should consult a physician before
using the spa
8. Do not use the spa immediately following exercise or while under the influence of
alcohol, narcotics, and other drugs
Diving Rules
l . Potentially dangerous diving is prohibited (including cartwheels, running, hanging,
dropping on buttocks, and any other dive the staff views as potentially dangerous)
2. One bounce on the board
3. One person at a time on the board or the steps, all others must wait on the deck
4. The fulcrum is to be moved by city staff only
5. Dive straight off the end of the board
• At Mercer Park Aquatic Center and City Park Pool one -meter boards, swim directly to
the ladders to exit
• On the City Park Pool three -meter board, swim directly to the wall behind the board
6. Swimming under the boards is prohibited
7. Diving at or near another swimmer is prohibited
Locker Room Rules
l . No horseplay or loitering
2. Patrons or providers who are aiding individuals 7 years of age or older are welcome to
use the family locker room, lobby doors, and on -deck bathrooms (MPAC), breezeway
and/or lifeguard bathroom (CPP), and glass door entrance and on -deck bathrooms
(RALRC)
3. Children 6 years -old and younger are welcome to accompany caregiver in locker rooms
regardless of gender
4. Patrons are welcome to use the locker room of the gender in which they identify
5. Single user on -deck locker rooms (with shower) are available at MPAC; single user
bathrooms are available at RALRC
6. Lock up valuables or bring them with you, we are not responsible for stolen items
7. Camera and video use is prohibited
Prohibited Items
• Gum 0 Weapons
• Alcohol, narcotics, tobacco products • Street clothes and thong bottoms
and e-cigarettes 0 Flotation devices of any kind
• Glass (including drink bottles and glass 0 Any lifejacket not coast -guard
goggles) approved
• Band -aids 0 Bicycles
• Lawn chairs 0 No pets allowed, service animals
• Squirt bottles and guns welcome
Parks
Recreation
Date: October 1, 2025
To: Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission
Cc: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation
From: Brad Barker, Recreation Superintendent
Re: Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges
Commission Role:
Provide review and recommendations
Background:
City Code requires the Parks and Recreation Department to submit a schedule of fees and charges every year for
approval by City Council. The Parks and Recreation Commission annually reviews and recommends approval of
fees and charges for all Parks and Recreation Department services and programs.
Fees were last approved for an increase in FY26. Staff generally will suggest fees be considered for an increase
every other year. Resultingly, FY27 will be a year in which staff will recommend no fee increases with the exception
of the items noted below.
Notable variations to the proposed user fee schedule include:
• Farmers Market:
o Vendor no-shows and late withdrawals is a pervasive issue that impacts the market through
vacant stalls and lost revenue. Vendors that don't fulfill their commitment to be at the market
and communicate intention for absence detracts from the ability of waitlist vendors to have the
opportunity to vend. Staff recommends a $100 refundable deposit be collected from each
vendor prior to stall assignment for the season. For each no-show or late withdrawal, as outlined
by the Farmers Market Vendor policy, the vendor will have $25 withheld from their deposit. $25
is the current stall fee. The remaining balance will be refunded at the end of the season.
• Aquatics
o The daily admission rate of $4 per visit to Iowa City's swimming pools has not been modified
since the early 2010's. However, pool pass rates have continued to rise incrementally with each
Council -approved fee schedule increase. Staff recommends that the daily admission fee be
changed from $4 to $5 as well as the 10-visit pass from $32 to $40.
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
City of Iowa City
varKs
ana Kecreauon
ue artmeni
Cost Center
10510214 Farmer's Market
GL / Revenue Type
348300 Advertising Fees
FY21 Fee
1.00
FY22 Fee
1.00
FY23 Fee
1.00
FY24 Fee FY25 Fee FY26 Fee
1.00 1.00 1.50
10510214 Farmer's Market
363910 Misc. Sale of March
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00-18.00 5.00-18.00 5.55-22.00
10510214 Farmer's Market
382100 Vendor Fees
10.50-18.50
10.50-18.50
11.00-20.00
11.00-20.00 11.00-20.00 23.5
10510214 Farmer's Market
220110 Refundable Deposit
10520200
Rec. Center Operations
382200
Building/Room Rental
-Meeting Room
33.00
33.00
11.00**
12.00** 12.00** 13.00**
-Social Hall
84.00
84.00
29.00**
30.00- 30.00** 32.00**
Gymnasium
-Full Gym
47.00
47.00
49.00
50.O01 50.00 53.00
-Half Gym
26.00
26.00
27.00
28.00 28.00 30.00
10520200
Rec. Center Operations
382400
Locker Rentals
-Daily (coin operation)
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.75 0.75 0.75
-Replacement key
30.00
30.001
35.00
35.00 35.00 45.00
10520264
Scanlon Gym
346100
Admissions
-Tot Time
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.001 1.001 1.00
10520264
Scanlon Gym
346700
Special Events
-Birthday Parties
90.00-106.00
90.00-106.00
130.00^
135.001 135.001 145.00
10520264
Scanlon Gym
382200
Building/Room Rental
-Gym
47.00/78.00
47.00178.00
49,00 / 81,00
50.00 / 83.00 50.00 / 83.001 53.00 / 88.00
-Mercer Mtg. Room
27.00
27.00
11.00**
12.00** 12.00** 13.00"
-P&G Room
47.00
47.00
17.00**
18.00** 18.00** 20.00**
-Wellness room
27.00
27.00
11.00**
12.00** 12.00** 13.00**
Grant Wood Gym
-Gym Sporting Event
I 41.00/72.00
41.00/72.00
43.00 175.001
45.00 / 77.00 45.00 / 77.00 48.00 182.00
10520265
382200
Building/Room Rental
47.00
47.00
49.00
50.00 50.00 53,10
10520430
STEAM, Arts, Nature
346400
Lessons
29.00-50.00
29.00-50.00
30.00-52.00
30.00-55.00130.00-55.00^ 30.00-60.00^
10520430
STEAM, Arts, Nature
346300
Potters Studio Pass
220.00
220.00
230.00
235.00 235.00 240.00
Summer Cami
Lessons
190.00
190.00
195.001
200.00 200/wk 220/wk
10520460
346400
Lessons
1052020
Aquatics Instruction
346400
-Red Cross (Group)
22.00-26.00
30.00/session
6.00/lesson
6.0011esson
6.00/lesson
6.00/lesson
-Private (Adaptive)
30.00/session
10 - 20/lesson
10-2011esson
10-20/lesson
11-22/lesson
-Lifeguarding
170.00
170.00
180.00
180.00
180.00
190.00
-Water Safety Inst. (40hr)
180.00
180.00
215.00
215.00
215.00
230.00
-Lifeguard Instructor
230.00
230.00
230.00
240.00
240.00
250.00
Lifeguard Instructor Recent
100.00
105.00
110.00
110.00
115.00
-Lifeguarding Recent
1
150.00
160.00
160.00
170.00
346200
-Drop-In
6.00
6.00
6.00
6.00
10520530
Water Fitness
10520530
Water Fitness
- 10 Pass Punch Card
16 (4.00/class)
20 (5.00/class)
20 (5.00/class)
20 (5.00/class)
346100
Admissions
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
10520541
Rec Center Pool Oper
10520541
Rec Center Pool Oper
346200
Punch Pass
32.00
32.00
32.00
32.00
32.00
32.00
10520541
Rec Center Pool Oper
346300
Pool Passes
-Annual Pass
7.00-439.00
227.00-439.00
234.00-450.00
234.00-450.00
234.00-450.00
246.00-473.00
10520541
-30 Day Pass
21.00-39.00
21.00-39.00
22.00-40.00
22.00-40.00
22.00-40.00
23.00-42,00
10520541
Rec Center Pool Oper
382200
Private Swim Party
78.00
78.00/hour
.00/1.5hr party
.00/1.5hr party
.00/1.5hr party
.00/1.5hr party
10520542
Mercer Park Pool Oper
346100
Admissions
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
10520542
Mercer Park Pool Oper
346200
Punch Pass
32.00
32.00
32.00
32.00
32.00
32.00
10520542
Mercer Park Pool Oper
346300
Pool Passes
-Annual
7.00-439.00
227.00-439.00
234.00-450.00
234.00-450.00
234.00-450.00
246.00-473.00
-30 Day Pass
21.00-39.00
21.00-39.00
22.00-40.00
22.00-40.00
22.00-40.00
23.00-42,00
10520542
Mercer Park Pool Oper
City Park Pool Oper
382200
Private Swim Party
78.00
78.00 hour
.00/1.5hr party
.00/1.5hr party
.00/1.5hr party
.00/1.5hr party
10520543
346100
Admissions
2.00-4.00
2.00-4.00
2.00-4.00
2.00-4.00 2.00-4.00 4.00
10520543
City Park Pool Oper
346200
Punch Pass
32.00
32.00
32.00
32.00 32.00 32.00
10520543
City Park Pool Oper
346300
Pool Pass
-Annual Pass
27.00-439.00
227.00-439.00
234.00-450.00
234.00-450.00 234.00-450.00 246.00-473.00
-30 Day Pass
21.00-39.00
21.00-39.00
22.00-40.00
22.00-40.00 22.00-40.00 23.00-42,00
10520543
City Park Pool Oper
382200
Private Swim Party
225.00
.00/1.5 hr party
0 / 1.5 hr party
0 / 1.5 hr party 0 / 1.5 hr party .00/1.5hr party
10520620
SPICIubs and Special Event:
346400
Lessons
5.00-26.00
5.00-26.00
5.00
1.00-35.00^ 1.00-35.00^ 1.00-37.00^
10520620
SPI Clubs and Special Event,
346700
Special Events
5.00-26.00
5.00-26.00
28.00-55.00
5.00-27.00
29.00-58.00
1.00-35.00^ 1.00-35.00^ 1.00-37.00^
10520720
1 Sports & Wellness Programs
346400
Lessons
28.00-55.00
10,00-60.00 10.00-60.00 10.00-475
* Changed from a monthly class at $5 per class to 10 punch pass card at $5 per class
5.55-22.001 0.0%
23.5 0.0%
100.00 New
13.00 0.0%
32.00 0.0%
53.00 0.0%
30.00 0.0%
0.75 0.0%
45.00 0.0%
1.00 0.0%
145.00 0.0%
53.00188.001 0.0%
13.00 0.0%
20.00 0.0%
13.00 0.0%
48.00 / 82.00 0.0%
30.00-60.001 0.0%
I 220/wk 1 0.0 % 1
'.00'essonj
0.01
11.00 - 22.00/lesson
0.0%
190.00
0.0%
230.00
0.0%
250.00
0.0%
115.00
0.0%
0%
L150.00/1.5hr
25.00
25.00 %
0.0%
0.0 %
0.0 %
5.00
25.00%
40.00
25.00%
246.00-473.00
0.0%
23,00-42.00
0.0%
150.00/1.5hr party
0.0%
5.00
25.00%
40.00
25.00%
246.00-473.00
0.0%
23.00-42.00
0.0%
150.00/1.5hr party
0.0%
1.00-37.001 0.0%
1 10.00-4751 0.0%1
st Center
10530200 ,Parks Ops & Maint
GIL / Revenue Type
382100 Land Rental - Garden Plots
FY21 Fee
17.00-27.00
FY22 Fee
17.00-27.00
FY23 Fee
18.00-28.00
FY24 Fee
19.00-29.00
FY25 Fee
19.00-29.00
FY26 Fee
20.00-30.00
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint
382600 Theatre/Stage Rental
69.00-206.00
69.00-206.00
71.00-212.00
73.00 - 218.00
73.00 - 218.00
75.00 - 225.00
10530200 Parks Ops & Maint
382700 Reservations
-Park Shelters (for 5 hours)
17.00-110.00
17.00-110.00
18.00-114.00
19.00-118.00
19.00-118.00
20.00-118.00
10530200 TTRA
382700 Reservations
-TTRA Lodge (per hour)
108.00-215.00
108.00-215.00
115.00-230.00
120.00-235.00
120.00-235.00
110.00-290.00
10530211 Ball Diamonds
382100 Tourn. Fees (land rental)
-Out of town
33.00
33.00
35.00
36.00
36.00
40.00
-Local
22.00
22.00
23.00
24.00
24.00
26.00
-Lights (per hour)
17.00
17.00
18.00
19.00
19.00
22.00
10530211 Ball Diamonds
382700 Reservations
-Field Rental Local (per hour
17.00
17.00
18.00
19.00
19.00
20.00
-Field Prep Local
33.00
33.00
35.00
36.00
36.00
38.00
-Lights (per hour)
17.00
17.00
18.00
19.00
19.00
22.00
-Field Rental Out of Town
21.00
21.00
23.00
24.00
24.00
27.00
-Field Prep Out of town
39.00
39.00
42.00
44.00
44.00
50.00
10530212 Soccer
382700 Reservations
-Field Rental Local (per hour
22.00
22.00
23.00
24.00
24.00
26.00
-Out of town/game non-tourn
28.00
28.00
30.00
31.00
31.00
33.00
-Cross Country event
265.00
265.00
275.00
280.00
280.00
295.00
10530212 Soccer
382100 Tourn. Fees (land rental)
-Out of town (per hour)
33.00
33.00
35.00
36.00
36.00
40.00
10530212 Soccer
-Local (per hour)
346100 Admissions
27.00
27.00
28.00
29.00
29.00
31.00
10530221 Dog Parks
-Annual Tags
53.00-181.00
53.00-181.00
53.00-181.00
53.00-181.00
53.00-181.00
56.00-191.00
-Daily Tags
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
-Special Events
67.00-128.00
67.00-128.00
67.00-128.00
67.00-128.00
67.00-128.00
67.00-128.00
(with increase)
20.00-30.00
% Change
0.0%
75.00 - 225.00
0.0%
20.00-118.00
0.0%
110.00-290.00
0.0%
40.00
0.0%
26.00
0.0%
22.00
0.0%
20.00
0.0%
38.00
0.0%
22.00
0.0%
27.00
0.0%
50.00
0.0%
26.00
0.0%
33.00
0.0%
295.00
0.0%
40.00
0.0%
31.00
0.0%
56.00-191.00
0.0%
5.00
0.0%
67.00-128.00
0.0%
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - September 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
Mon, Sep 1
9
3
6
8
10
12
10
13
12
4
87
Tue, Sep 2
8
7
3
8
7
9
9
7
3
5
66
Wed, Sep 3
11
3
5
15
7
10
10
4
2
3
70
Thu, Sep 4
11
6
9
7
3
10
3
6
2
3
60
Fri, Sep 5
11
4
7
10
6
7
7
9
3
2
3
5
3
1
66
Sat, Sep 6
4
4
6
6
4
5
2
5
7
0
43
Sun, Sep 7
4
8
6
4
0
Mon, Sep 8
11
2
4
10
15
5
5
52
Tue, Sep 9
6
6
7
4
5
6
8
42
Wed, Sep 10
3
4
3
7
7
10
3
37
Thu, Sep 11
6
3
6
6
5
10
4
40
Fri, Sep 12
7
3
2
4
8
14
6
1
7
0
0
44
Sat, Sep 13
10
1
5
7
10
1
1
5
2
42
Sun, Sep 14
19
10
5
2
0
Mon, Sep 15
8
3
7
4
11
7
8
48
Tue, Sep 16
6
3
7
6
9
6
4
41
Wed, Sep 17
5
5
5
5
12
14
6
52
Thu, Sep 18
5
8
7
4
5
7
2
38
Fri, Sep 19
4
3
2
2
6
8
6
0
5
7
1
31
Sat, Sep 20
3
6
7
6
6
5
3
8
3
47
Sun, Sep 21
3
9
6
2
0
Mon, Sep 22
5
7
8
5
9
8
2
44
Tue, Sep 23
0
Wed, Sep 24
4
7
7
6
10
10
2
46
Thu, Sep 25
5
2
3
4
2
8
4
28
Fri, Sep 26
9
7
3
8
5
3
3
1
10
1
0
38
Sat, Sep 27
7
2
3
2
3
4
2
2
3
28
Sun, Sep 28
1
7
3
1
0
Mon, Sep 29
6
2
1
5
7
8
7
36
Tue, Sep 30
4
5
9
3
7
8
7
43
Total Scans: 1106 Column Total: 1169
Averages: 39.0
$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 - September 2025 (2 of 2)
Date
Daily Rec Totals
Water Fitness
Swim Lessons
Event # Count
Event Name
Row Totals
Mon, September 1
87
9
96
Tue, September 2
66
1
67
Wed, September 3
70
13
83
Thu, September 4
60
1
61
Fri, September 5
66
17
12
$2 Swim
95
Sat, September 6
43
3
46
Sun, September 7
0
53
22
$2 Swim
75
Mon, September 8
52
21
48
121
Tue, September 9
42
64
106
Wed, September 10
37
16
44
97
Thu, September 11
40
58
98
Fri, September 12
44
21
8
$2 Swim
73
Sat, September 13
42
5
47
Sun, September 14
0
58
36
$2 Swim
94
Mon, September 15
48
23
35
106
Tue, September 16
41
56
97
Wed, September 17
52
19
48
119
Thu, September 18
38
61
99
Fri, September 19
31
23
13
$2 Swim
67
Sat, September 20
47
1
48
Sun, September 21
0
50
20
$2 Swim
70
Mon, September 22
44
26
40
110
Tue, September 23
62
62
Wed, September 24
46
35
81
Thu, September 25
28
64
92
Fri, September 26
38
1
12
$2 Swim
51
Sat, September 27
28
2
30
Sun, September 28
0
55
12
$2 Swim
67
Mon, September 29
36
30
40
106
Tue, September 30
43
40
83
Column Totals:
1169
232
911
135
2447
Averages:
39.0
7.7
30.4
4.5
81.6
$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 - September 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
Mon, Sep 1
'
T
Tue, Sep 2
Wed, Sep 3
Thu, Sep 4
Fri, Sep 5
Sat, Sep 6
Sun, Sep 7
Mon, Sep 8
Tue, Sep 9
10
13
7
19
8
10
9
5
11
6
4
4
10
1
90
Wed, Sep 10
11
10
8
23
2
4
9
6
5
4
7
0
8
2
99
Thu, Sep 11
5
13
7
14
8
10
12
10
2
2
10
3
6
0
80
Fri, Sep 12
10
10
5
14
10
5
5
11
6
6
8
22
5
5
122
Sat, Sep 13
3
4
1
6
3
15
12
19
10
23
9
16
5
3
129
Sun, Sep 14
25
11
5
8
25
27
10
10
3
124
Mon, Sep 15
13
9
9
17
9
13
6
14
8
8
12
3
6
1 2
129
Tue, Sep 16
10
15
7
11
18
10
5
6
12
6
71
Wed, Sep 17
15
7
6
9
6
8
7
10
6
7
18
7
14
1
121
Thu, Sep 18
8
12
6
6
3
9
12
4
12
8
6
6
5
1
89
Fri, Sep 19
11
1 9
5
12
7
1 14
6
1 11
10 1
11
10
6
2
1
115
Sat, Sep 20
Sun, Sep 21
22
20
3
5
7
7
4
8
2
78
Mon, Sep 22
14
9
7
16
9
13
8
8
6
7
13
3
3
3
119
Tue, Sep 23
5
16
7
15
14
16
10
5
9
5
10
6
4
4
97
Wed, Sep 24
15
9
7
12
13
15
8
8
7
3
13
2
0
2
114
Thu, Sep 25
1
10
7
8
14
12
10
5
8
6
6
4
5
0
74
Fri, Sep 26
11
8
5
14
10
7
3
5
5
6
4
8
6
3
95
Sat, Sep 27
5
3
6
7
1
7
3
8
7
10
8
13
5
2
85
Sun, Sep 28
22
22
19
14
9
12
9
6
4
117
Mon, Sep 29
12
11
9
19
13
9
8
19
8
8
17
4
4
2
143
Tue, Sep 30
12
13
14
9
15
8
5
10
9
4
75
Total Scans: 1928 Column Total: 2166
Averages: 72.2
$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 - September 2025 (2 of 2)
Mon, Sep
Dadembe2
Tue, Sept
Daily Rec Totals
Water Fitness
IP
Swim Team
-Ir
Event # Count
Event Name
Row Totals
Wed, SepThu,
SeptFri,
SeptSat,
SeptSun,
Sept
Mon, September 8
Tue, September 9
90
120
27
$2 Swim
237
Wed, September 10
99
120
219
Thu, September 11
80
3
120
22
$2 Swim
225
Fri, September 12
122
1
120
243
Sat, September 13
129
120
249
Sun, September 14
124
124
Mon, September 15
129
2
120
251
Tue, September 16
71
6
SWIM MEET
29
$2 Swim
106
Wed, September 17
121
120
241
Thu, September 18
89
6
120
9
$2 Swim
224
Fri, September 19
Sat, September 20
Sun, September 21
115
78
2
120
237
78
Mon, September 22
119
3
120
242
Tue, September 23
97
6
120
29
$2 Swim
252
Wed, September 24
114
120
234
Thu, September 25
74
6
120
22
$2 Swim
222
Fri, September 26
95
1
120
216
Sat, September 27
85
120
205
Sun, September 28
117
117
Mon, September 29
143
2
120
265
Tue, September 30
Column Totals:
75
2166
4
42
120
2040
24
162
$2 Swim
223
4410
Averages:
72.2
1.4
68.0
5.4
147.0
1 $2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals: I I
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
August 01, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Beginning Balance:
$44,987.95
Total Fund Income:
$0.00
Total Fund Expenses:
$2,638.86
Ending Balance:
$42,349.09
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund
August 01, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Beginning Balance:
$271,697.92
Total Fund Income:
$5,957.92
Total Fund Expenses:
$66.12
Ending Balance:
$277,589.72
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Staff Report
October 2025
Upcoming Events
• Farmers Market — Saturdays, May — October; 7:30 am — Noon; Chauncey Swan Ramp
• Indigenous Peoples Day — Sunday, October 12, 2-5:30 pm; TTRA
• Roller Skating — Saturdays, October 17-13, 3-5 pm for beginners, 5:30-7 om for all levels, RAL
• Sensory "Scare" Fair — Saturday, October 4, 1-3:30 PM, Ashton House
• HallowTEEN Mystery Night — Friday, October 17, 5-7:30 PM, Ashton House
• Floating Pumpkin Patch — Sunday, October 19, 3:30-5 pm, RAL
• Halloween Carnival — Friday, October 24, 5:30-7:30 pm, RAL
• Halloween Market — Saturday, October 25, 9 am — 12 pm, Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp
• Pumpkin Patch Prom — Saturday, October 25, 5-6:30 PM, RAL
• Tot Monster Mash — Friday, October 31, 9:30 —11:30 AM
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Forestry and Horticulture Staff have been busy planting trees this fall. Plantings are occurring in part of
the neighborhood near Fairmeadows Park and the neighborhood near Pheasant Hill Park.
• Athletics has been hosting a lot of cross-country meets this fall as our course remains popular.
• The park improvement projects at Adelaide Joy Rogers, Brookland, Calder, and College Green have some
final touch-up items to complete but they are close to completion.
• Parks staff installed the playground at Adelaide Joy Rogers Park and the shelter at Court Hill Park.
• We have been busy working on plans and designs for projects that will be constructed in the next couple
of years.
• Admin. staff have been working on budgeting for next year.
• Eight staff are signed up to compete in the first annual park maintenance skills rodeo event in October.
Staff will have the opportunity to compete against others from around the state while also receiving
training and a chance to view/test out new equipment.
• Admin. staff have been busy presenting educational sessions at conferences/workshops this fall to share
our knowledge with others in the industry and community.
Recreation:
• Staff have been collaborative in planning and implementing several events that require the coordination
of many program areas and their Program Supervisors. These events include a number of Halloween
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report I City of Iowa City
events and the Get Outside! Rec Fest. The Get Outside event took place at lower City Park on Sunday,
September 28tn and was well attended. There were a number of local partnership organizations that
assisted in providing outdoor experiences and learning opportunities within their realm of expertise.
• Staff has been finalizing budget planning preparation for the FY27 fiscal year.
• Full-time division staff and aquatics leadership staff have helped in leading a number of CPR/AED/First-
Aid classes this fall to continue ensuring that all recreation division employees are emergency prepared
and knowledgeable on first -aid techniques.
Facilities:
• Robert A Lee-
o Staff are continuing to strip and wax floors in-between events and rentals.
o Pool Deck and locker room epoxy floor RFP will go out this month and we will review proposals
for work to be completed in December.
• Splashpads-
o Fairmeadows, Weatherby, Tower Court have closed for the season.
o Weatherdance (Downtown) will remain open thru October 61n
o Staff are in the process of winterizing the other splash pads.
• TTRA-
o Lodge and a H2O building staining project is complete and looks fantastic.
Cemetery:
• Planning has started for the development of new columbarium structures.
• All ADA improvements have been completed.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Watering has increased this fall as it has dried out after a wet summer.
Recreation
• Program Supervisor staff have been training incoming staff to begin leading programs this fall and into
the winter/spring season.
Cemetery:
• Mowing and trimming has finally slowed, but watering trees has picked up.
• Staff will continue repairing monuments that have been tipped over or in need of repair.
• Leaf mulching/pick-up is just around the corner.
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 5yr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
5yr avg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5-year Avg.
on
Interments
Total
Revenue
5yr Avg. on
total
revenue
July
$10,800.00
$3,468.00
3
5.6
$2,040.00
$3,407.50
$12,840.00
$6,875.50
August
$7,650.00
$8,531.00
8
7.8
$6,285.00
$4,216.50
$13,935.00
$12,747.50
Sept
$9,000.00
$5,994.50
4
7.4
$1,335.00
$3,783.00
$10,335.00
$9,777.50
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals
$27,450.00
$17,993.50
15
20.8
$9,660.00
$11,407.00
$37,110.00
$29,400.50
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report I City of Iowa City
LATE HANDOUTS - THE
FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS
WERE DISTRIBUTED AT
THE MEETING
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2025 8:12 AM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher;Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin;
Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Beth Cody; Malory Smysor; Johanna Abernathy; Duane Kruse; Ron
and Susan Haffner; Roger Swartz; Dawn Bouslog
Subject: Week 19, Monday, September 8, 2025 Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
A
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.
H i Al.[,
We LOVE mulch! Thanks to Ed Rinderspacher for two truckloads of beautiful mulch (yes, the good stuff!)
to spread around the PGG. Cindy and Diane made numerous trips using Fern to fill the back end of the
Gator, travel to needy mulch beds, and dump the mulch for volunteers to spread. Our memories of doing
the same work with wheelbarrows was becoming a faint painful memory of the past. Yee-haw! After our
week 19 two hours together, the mulch pile was markedly less than when we began the work. Joy!
Those in attendance for week 19 were: Diane Allen (3 hours), Pat Yeggy, Monica Hoherz, Jim Peters (4
hours), Sue Mullins, Rina Sjolund, Erin Buscher(2 1/2 hours), Hetty Hall (2 1/2 hours), Linda Bergquist(2
1/2 hours), Barb Schintler(2 1/2 hours), Lisa Haverkamp (3 hours), Cindy Parsons (3 hours). Between
weeks 18 and 19 extra hours were added by Diane, Sue M, and Cindy. These three volunteers
represented Project GREEN at the "Join and Thrive Iowa City Club Fair." The documentary"Join or Die"
was presented at Film Scene. Afterwards those who attended the film were invited to meet local clubs
(like Project GREEN)to discover new hobbies, and connect with their Iowa City and beyond
neighbors. This event was September 7 and was well attended. Project GREEN had seven Fair attendees
interested in our 57 year old non-profit. I plan to share our week 19 summary with each and hope to get
more volunteers for our Project GREEN activities. Diane, Sue M, and Cindy each gave 2 1/2 hours to add
with our PGG hours.
We started with a long "to-do list" on September 8, Monday morning. At 9 am the temperature was 59
degrees and 11 a.m. 66 degrees. The humidity was 66%with air quality 25, considered "good." Using
Iowa State's website our 820 Park Road received 0.17 inches of rain since last week which I consider
"not enough." Our work, of course, included mulching, watering, weeding. Containers were fertilized
and watered well. Sidewalks and driveway were cleared. Beth Cody brought LOTS of hosta to share with
our volunteers to take home or give to friends & neighbors. Thanks Beth! Larry Allen donated a tool box
to keep in the garage for any PGG repairs. Thanks Larry! Cindy purchased 4 tools to use while
mulching. Thanks Cindy! It was decided when a "to-do" item was completed to check it off our sign-in
sheet. Thanks to volunteers who remembered to do this. It really helps me write my weekly
summary. Volunteers were asked to check their calendars for extra time to water our many thirsty
flowerbeds during the week. Cindy(twice), Jim, Monica, Lisa, and Diane agreed to drop by the Gardens
1
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f
by
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jj
1' 1
t--Y .� t ♦.,
4
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wmp
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The left picture shows a shady spot we call Mary's Tree. The berm is filled with daffodils and in 2024
Project GREEN volunteers planted two varieties of Walker's Low Nepeta Catmint, pink and blue. This
bed now requires watering and mulching only. Proven Winners when asked the difference between
catmint and catnip states, "Both are part of the mint family and both belong to the Nepeta
genus. But Catnip is Nepeta cataria and Catmint is Nepeta mussinii. Catnip has a weedier
appearance and an insignificant white flower, while Catmint is often used as a pretty,
lavender flowering perennial in beds." Good to know! Thanks to Pat Yeggy for the labels telling of
Project GREEN's catmint. The beautiful garden bed on the right is the Quilt. This bed is found along the
hiking/biking trail close to the Park Road sidewalk. The frame of the quilt is tangerine marigolds and the
center many-colored Globe Amaranth, "Gomphrena globosa." In the past the Quilt had gorgeous coleus
in its center. Unfortunately the coleus needed "pinching" to control its height and make bushier. With
so many bees amongst the marigolds and coleus it was too challenging for volunteers to care for the
coleus. The amaranth needs no extra care except water and sun. Perfect for our Quilt!
5
x _
4.r
1
The Ashton family planted a Magnolia tree along the east side of their house. A few years ago (maybe the
Derecho)the Magnolia fell and needed to be removed. There were many suckers around the remaining
trunk and Ed Rinderspacher, Project GREEN's project manager, trimmed the Magnolia this past
week. Isn't she a beauty? Notice the deer protection Ed included with his work. Thanks Ed! To the north
of the Magnolia three new Bush Honeysuckle surround our newest tree, "Scarlett Letter Oak." This
columnar tree is a special one and worth a view as the years pass by. Here's information from Prairie
Nursery explaining why our Bush Honeysuckle is safe to plant. "This drought tolerant native shrub
adapts easily to poor, rocky soils. Bush Honeysuckle (Diervillo sp.) is not to be confused with
invasive honeysuckles. Morrow's honeysuckle, Tatarian honeysuckle, Amur honeysuckle, and
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicero spp.) are all invasive and non-native. Somewhat similar in
appearance, native and invasive honeysuckles can be distinguished by looking at the stems -
7
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 20, 2025 12:34 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher; Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Natalie Benson;Jess Benson; Johanna Abernathy; Ron and
Susan Haffner; Malory Smysor; Duane Kruse; Roger Swartz; Dawn Bouslog
Subject: Week 20, Monday, September 15, 2025 Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
AA
RISK
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attachments.**
This message is from an external sender.
Hi All,
Monday, 9/15, Project GREEN volunteers began week 20 at the PGG. Every week a "To-do" list is waiting
for our 9 a.m. beginnings, which is rather organized and ready for names + short explanations of
completed tasks and hours worked. It's a simple way to document our time together and what was
accomplished. This 2025 season, I've included an "Extra Time" space for any volunteer who cares for
the PGG above and beyond our Monday morning work sessions (9 - 11 a.m.) to record their extra
work. Bravo to Project GREEN volunteers for their extraordinary retelling of their two hours (or more!)
caring for our beloved Gardens. Check it out for yourselves!
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Picture 1: Byron and Linda Stake time to show off their mulching tools and smiles. Picture 2: PGG's
newest plantings located at the east side of the Ashton House are beautifully mulched and
watered. Isn't this a spectacular addition to the Gardens? Pat Yeggy will soon have labels telling the
names of our newest tree and shrubs. The boxwood are already labeled, thanks to Pat! Picture 3: 1
believe this a Westside Oval shot showing in the distance the Arch and Quilt Flower bed. Notice its new
covering of mulch. Thankfully Fern moved LOTS of mulch from the parking lot to this location.
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The REAP Grant is in progress! Pictures 5 - 7 show a new 6 foot wide hiking/biking path starting at the end
of the Ashton House long driveway, winding around and curving left to the pergola, then continuing east
towards Normandy Drive. There's so much happening at the PGG! Stop by using the 820 Park Road
parking lot and check it out for yourself!
Here are the numbers after 20 weeks volunteering at the Project GREEN Gardens. Weeks 1 - 19 +Week
20 = 831 1/2 hours +41 1/2 hours = 873 hours for our Project GREEN volunteers! Many thanks to all!
I've asked Ed Rinderspacher to drop off another load of mulch (of course, the good stuff!). We will
continue mulching beds during our 21 st week together. Please remember if we have inclement weather,
I will send a message by 7:30 a.m. Monday morning cancelling our work session.
We have six more weeks together: September 22 &29 and October 6, 13, 20, and 27. We will have a 2025
Project GREEN Gardens brunch either November 3 or 10 at Chez Alien's. Anyone who has worked at the
2025 Gardens is welcome to attend the brunch! It will be a fun ending to our 2025 time together. More
about this later.
Project GREEN is in the process of putting together the 2025 newsletter. I'd like to include information
about the PGG by asking 4 volunteers to write an article about their personal accomplishments at the
Gardens this year. Each article can be 2 or 3 paragraphs along with a picture of"your favorite place"to
work at the Gardens. For example, I've asked Sue Mullins to write about the "Welcome"flowerbed
9
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2025 1:21 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher; Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart;Jess Benson; Johanna Abernathy; Ron and Susan Haffner;
Larry Allen
Subject: Week 21, September 22, 2025 at the Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
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attachments.**
This message is from an external sender.
Hi All,
Another week has passed as Project GREEN volunteers continue to care for the 2025 PGG. Time has
gone quickly.
Fifteen volunteers were in attendance on Monday, September 22, better known as the autumnal
equinox. They were: Diane Allen (3 hours), Pat Yeggy, Mary Laughlin (1 hour), Rina Sjolund, our newest
volunteer Kara Frankman (MG), Barb Schintler, Sue Mullins, Hetty Hall, Monica Hoherz, Chris Ostrander,
Lisa Haverkamp, Jim Peters (3 hours), Cindy Parsons, Susan Ahrens, Linda Schreiber(Master
Gardener). Volunteers who spent time after last Monday (week 20) were: Monica Hoherz (1 1/2 hour) and
Lisa Haverkamp (1 hour). The 9 a.m. temperature was 67 degrees and 11 a.m. 73 degrees. The humidity
was 93% and air quality 45, considered "good." There was 0.24" rain since last Monday and declared
"Not enough!".
Volunteers mulched, watered, and weeded. Containers + red wagons were watered and fertilized, Little
Free Library filled (always needing donated children and adult books!). A few volunteers were asked to
write short articles telling of their 2025 efforts at the PGG for the fall Project GREEN newsletter. If
anyone does not remember receiving last fall's newsletter, please write your mailing address after
signing in Monday. Cindy will collect the addresses to add with our nearly 3000 mailings. Volunteers
signed a thank you card for their dragon winged begonia gift from Margery McCardell, a neighbor of the
PGG. Thank you to all the volunteers for their continued hours caring for the PGG!
Here are two pictures of the "Welcome to the Project GREEN Gardens!" maintained and created by Sue
Mullins. Sue has agreed to write a few paragraphs about this bed for the fall newsletter. Thanks to Sue!
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Please notice the newly installed, black gold mulch of this flower bed. Also, two gorgeous pumpkins
were donated to the entrance sidewalk to the Ashton House (AH). Check out the second pumpkin
located near the front door of the AH for yourself. I believe Lisa Haverkamp donated the
pumpkins! Thanks Lisa!
Keep an eye out on Monday mornings as Fern travels the 8+ acre park. Pictured from left to right: Kara
Frankman, Rina Sjolund, and Linda Schreiber. Thanks to Cindy Parsons forthe picture!
3
https://youtu.be/-UmxH NgrJs?si=t4uhHBdlq-2eZNZ0
That's it from me after 21 weeks together! It's an honor and privilege to care for the PGG. The Project
GREEN Gardens volunteers area special group and I'm grateful to call each of you friends. Have a
wonderful weekend. Happy Gardening, Diane
5
Gabriel Gotera
From: Diane Allen <dlallenl6@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 5, 2025 1:24 PM
Cc: Tyler Baird; Steve Erickson; Eddie Rindenspacher; Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin; Beth
Cody; Barbara Lee-Burkhart; Natalie Benson;Jess Benson;Johanna Abernathy; Ron and
Susan Haffner; Larry Allen
Subject: Week 22, September 29, 2025 at the Project GREEN Gardens (PGG)
A
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attachments.**
This message is from an external sender.
Hi All,
It was a beautiful morning on Monday, September 29th. Our 9 a.m. temp was 67 degrees and 11 a.m. it
was 78 degrees. The sunshine was spectacular!
Week 22 was Project GREEN volunteers' 2025 BIG project day. Two years ago, we planted over 40
boxwood bushes around the parking lot. Ed Rinderspacher used a large auger to dig holes and
volunteers quickly planted the donated shrubs. Thanks to Beth Cody for her donations! Last year we cut
back the Arrowwood Viburnum `Blue Muffin' growing along the north side of the parking lot. These
bushes had grown to nearly 20 feet tall since planting in 2013. With Ed R's and Larry Allen's chain saws
help, the bushes quickly became 3 feet tall. Volunteers gathered debris and shortened their lengths to
be sent to the landfill with Steve Erickson's and crew's assistance. 2025 will be remembered for adding
another peony bed parallel to Normandy Drive's original peony line-out bed.
There were 15 volunteers in attendance for week 22 at the PGG. They were: Diane Allen (4 hours), Rina
Sjolund (3 hours), Mary Laughlin, Susan Ahrens, Kara Frankman (MG), Hetty Hall (3 hours), Evelyn Frey (3
hours), Barb Schintler(2 1/2 hours), Jim Peters (4 1/2 hours), Chris Ostrander (3 hours), Erin Buscher(3
hours), Monica Hoherz (3 hours), Cindy Parsons (3 hours), Byron Vandenberg(MG), Linda Schreiber
(MG). Extra work accomplished since week 21 was volunteer Laura Hawks as she trimmed a Larch tree
and dug 10 peonies for transplanting(1 1/2 hours). Many thanks to each of these remarkable,
exceptional, amazing, astonishing, astounding, marvelous gardeners! Yes, I saved more adjectives to
use another time!! It was a sight to behold watching volunteers dig 15 peonies and transporting to the
newly prepared beds thanks to Ed R! There the peonies were dug into their new homes along with the 10
peonies Laura H dug last week. Meanwhile other volunteers weeded the original line-out peony bed.
Next step for both beds was adding beautiful black mulch to both old and new peony beds. Ed R edged
the beds with his power trimmer. Another Ed tool was his Dingo, which transported piles of mulch
making it easier for volunteers to equally cover each bed. Last step was setting up the tripod sprinkler
that went back and forth nearly 4 hours. All this was accomplished by 10:35 a.m. by extra-ordinary
volunteers! Thanks to Jim Peters for getting hoses pulled to the peony location and later Jim and Evelyn
Frey for turning off the water around 2 p.m.
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Many volunteers stayed extra time mulching other PGG beds and watering and weeding. Ed used his
Dingo to move mulch needed all around the Gardens. It was a busy morning filled with satisfying
results.
Here are the numbers after 22 weeks together at the PGG: Weeks 1 - 21 +Week 22 = 902 1/2 hours + 37
1/2 hours = 940 hours for Project GREEN volunteers! Congratulations to all the
volunteers!
We have one more month together (26 totalweeks) to accumulate 1000+ hours while working at our
beloved Gardens. The next two weeks (23 &24)we will continue to weed, water, mulch. Week 25 we will
remove canna lilies &elephant ears. Week 26, the annual plants will be pulled. Our time together will go
quickly. Remember to include your(snail) mailing address after you sign-in Monday morning. The
Project GREEN newsletter will be mailed soon and no volunteer should be missed.
There is LOTS going on at the Gardens! The REAP Grant is in full-swing. Here are a couple pictures
showing new additions to the Gardens.
The left picture taken by Jim Peters, shows a "box" for a new and improved watering system installed
with the 2025 REAP Grant. This box is located in the center of West Oval 1. The rightpicture taken •
volunteer Becky Hatt showspillar along the Normandy
Hope to see lots of volunteers Monday, October 6th for our 23rd week together. Until then, happy
gardening!