Parks seeing boom in usage

Activities are abundant in Newton city parks and more people than ever are out seeing what is available. Parks administrator Nathan Unsworth has seen a very active summer for the parks so far, especially at Maytag Pool.

“The pool has been a very busy place this summer. We are expecting our attendance and revenue to be up over the past few seasons,” Unsworth said. “We had a very warm start to summer, which drove pool pass sales. The warm weather has persisted with only a few days where the pool has been closed due to the weather.”

While it is great to have numbers up, Unsworth said the city does not treat the pool as a revenue source. The goal of the pool, besides providing a fun, cost-effective activity for families, is to cover the operational costs associated with the facility. Any additional revenue will go back into the general fund, Unsworth said.

“Typically, the pool comes very close to covering the operational costs each year,” Unsworth said. “Unfortunately, Mother Nature is unpredictable and a cold, raining month can drive down revenue. We see our best years when we have a stretch of warm weather immediately following school letting out for the summer.”

Along with the pool, the Maytag Bowl is keeping busy with several concerts scheduled. The next concert at the bowl features Diva and the Deacons at 2 p.m. July 24 and is co-hosted by the South Skunk Blue Society. It is also serving as a fundraiser for local food pantries by Thrivent Financial.

On July 31, Carbon Canaries will hit the stage at 2 p.m., Boomerang is planned for 7 p.m. on Aug. 5 and Faculty Lounge round out the list at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19.

“We hope to increase our attendance by moving events to Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons,” Unsworth said. “These musical acts are all well-liked and come highly recommended. We really hope people will come out with their friends and family and enjoy these free events.”

Westwood Golf Course is also hosting a membership appreciation week beginning Aug. 15. During that week there will be great deals for members as well as special weekend rates for non-members.

Looking forward, the city is beginning work on updating the Comprehensive Plan in the coming months with the park board reviewing the goals of the park system, as well. Unsworth is encouraging citizens to voice any ideas or concerns they have with the park system to city staff or park board members to help with future plans in the city.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com