March 28, 2024

Park board approves Eversman Field project

Short cement wall to be built around backstop

Newton Parks Board approved a Newton Community School District project and announced the date of its next project at the April meeting Wednesday at Newton City Hall.

The board approved a Newton Community School District Eversman Field project plan.

Newton Parks and Grounds and Newton Community School District entered a 28E agreement earlier this year which helps define each party’s role at all used public facilities. The school is now required to maintain the field at Eversman Field at Woodland Park.

Newton High School Baseball Coach Dustin Brisel and high school activities director Scott Garvis are working on is improving and investing in the field, working in stages, Newton Parks and Grounds Administrative Superintendent Nathan Unsworth said.

The first project they are working on is tearing up backstop and adding a 39-inch concrete wall with a pulley backdrop. With fundrasing in place, this project could begin this spring.

The larger goal would be to update dugouts in the next couple of years.

“The city would not be taking any role in this project at all it would be all the school. It’s just a matter of informing you and making sure there is nothing you see unfit,” Unsworth said. “I think it’s a great plan. These guys have really done a lot of work and I think this will really enhance that field.”

Also at the meeting, the Aurora Park playground installation project was announced for April 28-30. Friends of Newton Parks and City of Newton Parks and Grounds department are in need of volunteers to help with the playground preparation and instillation.

Volunteers are needed from approximately 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 29 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30.

The playground will include playground structures such as slides, swings and a high demand expression swing which would allow a parent and child to swing together. Also included is a new 75 foot long zipline for children.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact the Newton Park Office at 641-792-1470 or nathanu@newtongov.org.

An update on the Fourth of July fireworks event was also given.

The city has moved forward with purchasing fireworks for its Fourth of July celebration. Its budget is $7,500, an increase from the 2015 $7,000 budget.

Slipstream is scheduled entertainment for the evening event July 4 at Agnes Patterson Park. Organizers still need about $2,000 to pay for entertainment and other event activities.

The event will be sponsored by Trinity Structures, U.S. Bank, Hy-Vee and Van Manaan Electric as well as other individual donors.

In other news:

• Red Pride Service Day will be May 4. A pollinator plot will be planted at Agnes Patterson Park, trash will be collected at all parks including Maytag Park and Woodland Park and the board voted a motion to approve a mural painting at Woodland Park. The painting is reminiscent of a vintage National State Park sign.

• Board members and others will meet with University of Iowa students about Thirty Acre Park design ideas at 7 p.m. May 3 at Newton City Hall.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com