March 19, 2024

Boulder attraction coming to Aurora Park

A new attraction is heading to Aurora Park.

City council recently approved climbing boulders for the park to enhance the already thriving park system.

The system includes manufactured climbing boulder rocks of different sizes with hand and foot holds to enable use by people of all ages.

“If you have not seen these it is really quite a cool piece of equipment to have,” councilwoman Miranda Kulis said. “Like it says, it is really for all ages and it is one of those things that we already have such incredible parks in our community, this will just help to enhance one.”

More than three years ago, the Newton Park Board identified the need to improve Aurora Park, specifically wanting to target projects focused on recreational opportunities for teens.

Two years later, in 2015, the city sold bonds to pay for several community enhancement projects, including ideas for Aurora Park. Among the projects selected for the park are a modern restroom, resurfacing the tennis courts, new playground equipment and a boulder park. All projects for the park have since been completed, except for the boulders.

As the project started to move forward, park staff sent requests for proposals to several climbing boulder companies. One qualified bid was received from Eldora Wall Company of Boulder, Co. to construct two climbing boulders for $76,212. Also included in the project is site construction consisting of concrete work and mulch at an estimated material cost of $10,000.

To fund the project, the city is using $15,000 in grant money with $5,000 coming from Prairie Meadows and $10,000 granted from the Jasper Community Foundation. The remaining costs will be paid for using available 2015 bonding proceeds.

“Aurora Park is such a great location,” councilwoman Evelyn George said. “It is visible from First Avenue, the elementary school and the tennis courts, it is a great location.”

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