The Newton Park Board met Wednesday to discuss and approve business on its agenda.
The board approved a delay of the opening time of Maytag Pool during the week from noon to 1 p.m. The later start will help the pool staff move back morning pool parties, swim lessons and lap swim time, and the idea for the time change also was supported due to low pool attendance from noon to 1 p.m.
Another motion that was proposed and approved by the park board involves fees at Westwood Golf Course. The staff is adding a Young Professional Member Fee to the 2014 year. A new membership fee will be available for individuals age 22 to 35, both solo and couple. The idea for a young professionals membership is to serve a group that is working to become established financially and to attract young golfers who have low memberships numbers.
Also approved, a membership drive will take place from Jan. 1 to March 31 and golfers who purchase a membership during this time will receive a 10 percent discount for their early commitment.
These approvals will be taken to the Newton City Council meeting on Dec. 2 for final approval.
Other items discussed at the Newton Park Board meeting:
• A potential future Rotary event that could take place next holiday season was discussed. A holiday light show, similar to Jolly Holiday Lights in Des Moines, is in the initial planning stages at this time to take place at Maytag Park. The event will be planned by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and Newton Rotary.
• The park board voted and approved to support the formation of a nonprofit for the parks organization. This group would be similar to the Jasper County Conservation Connection in connection with the county parks.
“The goal for this group would be to help in additional fundraising for park projects and it gives citizens an opportunity to volunteer in city park projects,” Newton Parks Department Administrative Superintendent Nathan Unsworth said.
• Agnes Patterson will be the home to next summer’s Fourth of July fireworks show. The park board would like to add more events in the area that evening prior to the fireworks event.