Loebsack visits former gravel quarry in Colfax

COLFAX – U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack visited Colfax North Park Tuesday afternoon, formerly known as Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. gravel quarry.

The 480-acre quarry was purchased by Colfax in April with a goal to transfer it into a park. Loebsack spent more than 45 minutes on the land asking questions about the future of the project.

Following a tour of the quarry, Park and Recreation Auxiliary Board President Doug Garrett and former Colfax Mayor Dave Mast informed Loebsack about a spring project where Iowa State University landscape architect students created numerous designs for the future park and their plans were laid out for the congressman to see. More than 40 ISU students participated in the project and drew up potential ideas of what to do with the 480 acres, Mast said.

Garrett discussed with Loebsack some of the students’ ideas that might be incorporated in the final designs of the park such as space for RV camping, restaurants on the island and numerous trails throughout the land.

Before leaving, Loebsack wanted to know what he could do to help move the project along. Garrett and Mast said they are always looking for grants, but just getting the word out about the project would be helpful.

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@newtondailynews.com