March 28, 2024

Redevelopment of Sunset Park moving forward

Creating a cohesive design is often the first step in developing a plan for future construction. That is the case for the redevelopment of Sunset Park.

Newton City Council started the process of the redevelopment by approving Iowa City-based HBK Engineering for $12,940 in funding to create a master plan for the park.

“The master plans tells us what is going to go where and helps utilize the park the best we can,” Public Works Director Keith Laube said.

The process started several years ago with the Newton Park Board setting a series of goals for the park system. One goal identified was to redevelop Sunset Park, which it found was an underutilized park in the downtown area adjacent to senior living centers. It is hoped that by increasing park accessibility, it would enable senior citizens living in the area to access and enjoy its amenities.

“The park board has discussed this at numerous meetings and it is a challenge because there is a hill, so trying to figure out what fits in and what makes sense while making sure Newton Village and Park Centre residents are able to enjoy it as well, as a larger goal,” councilwoman Evelyn George said.

The creation of a master plan will show the city how to utilize the park effectively and provide a guide to sequence the improvements throughout several years. HBK was selected to perform the work following a recommendation from Jeff Davidson, Jasper County Community Coach for Hometown Pride.

“For this project we have been working with Jeff Davidson and he had good things to say about HBK, he has worked with them before,” Laube said. “They’ve done work in Tiffin, West Branch, Iowa City, a number of cities that are doing park planning.”

Along with Hometown Pride, several additional community organizations and businesses have shown interest in the project including the Newton Wellness Coalition, Friends of Newton Parks, Newton Village and Park Centre.

“I think it is really interesting to see the other groups that are really interested in participating and partner on this once we do have a better idea and design moving forward,” councilwoman Miranda Kulis said.

The master plan costs will be paid for utilizing 2015 bond proceeds.

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